b'CIRCLEWinter Issue 1 2019THEThe official publication of the Assembly of First Nations20 About the AFN The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) represents First Nations citizens in Canada. This means we work for you. All our efforts are mandated by leaders from across the country and the priorities for action set by the Chiefs-in-Assembly. In the AFNs The Circle, learn more about the role of the National Chief, Regional Chiefs, councils, committees, assemblies and the AFN staff. We look forward to hearing your feedback. 30 AFN Working This is a section on progress happening in the various sectors at the AFN through its work with Chiefs committees, First Nations citizens, tribal councils, and professionals and people on the frontline. From environment and emergency services to economicFEATURESdevelopment, health and language, these are the updates on how were driving change based on the62 priorities of First Nations. Helping Our Children Come HomeFollowing best practices to ensure First Nations children and youth build and maintain connections 100to their communities, cultures, languages and Art & MediaArt, film, literature and music are all rolled intolands, by properly funding First Nations to care for one section. We tried to capture the interesting, thetheir childrensuccessful and the under-the-radar artists making important contributions. Words, sounds and images66Upholding First Nations Rightsare vital to our nations and its essential that we promote our stories and storytellers. Through Collective ActionPerry Bellegarde on First Nations strategies to take control of our present and futureCOVER STORY 84My Concerns Regarding Water 70 this issue of The Circle examinesIssues and Climate Change The theme of Autumn Peltier on working together to spur Nation Building by First Nations. Can we close thepositive actiongap through Nation Building? What does it look like? How does a strong culture lead to success? You will read a Q&A with Joe Kalt, a Harvard University professor who has been looking for many years at theDEPARTMENTSissues of Nation Building and economic development in Native American and First Nation communities.10Message from the CEO/This issue highlights some success stories in NationMessage de la directrice gnrale Building (realized through revitalizing traditional lawBy Paulette Tremblay and language, and redefining citizenship) and reveals possible paths to self-governance. 14Message from the National Chief/Message du Chef national By Perry Bellegarde 24Around Turtle Island 109Professional Services Directory www.afn.ca 7'