b'CHARTER RENEWALNational Chief Perry Bellegarde and Bonnie Leonard, legal advisor in the National Chiefs Office, at the AFN Annual General Assembly in Fredericton, NB.Renewing the AFNThe timeline for dialogue with leadership, First Nations citizens, provincial and territorial organizations is 24 months (began April 2019), although we have and its Charter been urged by Chiefs on a number of occasions to speed up the work. The timing is in the hands of the First Nations in Assembly. The Charter A mending the Assembly ofIt is important to have clear provisionsRenewal team will be meeting with, presenting options to, listening to First Nations Charter willthat define roles and responsibilities andfeedback from and assisting the First update its organizationalreporting structures to ensure that theNations. The Charter Renewal is structure to better reflect theAFN is meeting the needs of the Firstdependent upon the decision makersemerging needs of First Nations takingthe Chiefs of the First Nation membersNations. Formalizing best practiceswho will have the final say in the changes steps to rebuild their Nation in todayswithin the Charter is the best way toto the Charter.political climate. meet the needs of the organization and As with any organization, there isFirst Nations. The Charter Renewal team is committed always a need for transparency andto this work and will make every effort accountability. These factors are essentialThe process for amending the Charter isto ensure that all voices are heard, to ensure that the Assembly of Firstoutlined in Article 27 of the Assemblyconsensus will be sought, and that the Nations (AFN) maintains the credibilityof First Nations Charter; it states: ThisCharter is amended in a timely fashion, and confidence of its members. WhereCharter may be amended by consensusin a way that will meet the needs of all procedures are vague or contradictory,or general agreement if the Chiefs orthe First Nations that the AFN serves.conflict will arise. Harmonization of thetheir duly accredited representatives ofThe AFNs Charter outlines the Rules of Procedure for AFN Assembliesthe First Nations present at any Annualprinciples and ideals of the Chiefs and the National Indian BrotherhoodMeeting or Special Meeting of the Firstof First Nations across Canada who By-Laws with any Charter amendmentsNations-in-Assembly, provided that atare determined to work together to is important for ensuring that theleast 60 days written Notice is givenaccomplish common aims. It defines the procedures and processes are clear, andto the First Nations in advance of thegeneral mandate of the organization, they provide the guidance necessary forAnnual Meeting or Special Meeting atmembership and election process for operational stability. which such amendment is to be tabled. National Chief and sets out the role 56 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2019'