ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS 39TH ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY VANCOUVER, BC Social and Cultural Program THE WEEK OF JULY 23RD - JULY 26TH HOSTED BY
A MESSAGE FROM PREMIER JOHN HORGAN As Premier of the Province of British Columbia, it gives me great pleasure to join with Regional Chief Terry Teegee in welcoming everyone to the Assembly of First Nations 39 th Annual General Assembly (AGA) here in Vancouver, the traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-waututh First Nations. The BC Assembly of First Nations is serving as the host of this year s AGA, and it has created a dynamic program of social and cultural events for the coming days. The Welcome Reception at the Vancouver Art Gallery is a wonderful start to the AGA, providing an opportunity to gather with old friends and establish new ones while appreciating dancing, singing and performance art. Fans of rock and blues will enjoy a trip to Rogers Arena for a musical showcase by Bitterly Divine. Finally, there is the grand finale the Gala Evening to honour the newly-elected National Chief. There is much to look forward to, and I would like to thank the many talented people who are sharing their artistic gifts during this time together. Please accept my best wishes for a stimulating and productive conference. It is an honour to have you here in British Columbia! HONOURABLE JOHN HORGAN PREMIER OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
WELCOME TO THE SHARED TERRITORY OF The Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish A MESSAGE FROM REGIONAL CHIEF TERRY TEEGEE On behalf of the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, it is my pleasure to invite you to take part in the social and cultural events during the 39th Annual General Assembly (AGA) of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) in the Territory of the Coast Salish People of the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-waututh First Nations. These events will showcase First Nation s talent and support First Nation s businesses here in the beautiful City of Vancouver. This year s AGA is an important event where we will be electing the National Chief. I encourage all Chiefs to review all the candidate platforms and make an informed decision before casting your community s ballot. Strong leadership is critical for our communities, our Nations and for our national organization. We have the opportunity to work and support each other in the implementation of the 94 recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report and to fully implement the United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous People. We also have the opportunity to re-affirm our rights, treaty rights, and interests in our respective homelands including rebuilding our cultures, languages, governance and economies while creating balanced partnerships and relationships with all levels of government and industry. As our discussions during the Assembly will be intense, serious, and heavily debated, I encourage you to take stock of your stress levels and to take advantage of the social and cultural activities to decompress. There will many opportunities to build relationships, share stories, hear different perspectives and catch up with old friends, and perhaps make new ones. Enjoy the 39th AFN AGA and the week ahead! Snachailya, Regional Chief Terry Teegee, BC Assembly of First Nations
Welcome Reception The Welcome Reception is available for all delegates before the start of the Annual General Assembly. Following a welcome from Coast Salish First Nations, the experience will include dancing and singing showcasing Coast Salish culture featuring Spakwus Slolem (Eagle Song Dancers). Delegates will be treated to Indigenous cuisine prepared by Salishan Catering. Refreshments will include water by Thunderbird Spirit Water, Indigenous World wines and more. Guests will have access to an exhibition that presents the performance art and collaborations of Ayumi Goto & Peter Morin: how do you carry the land? Please bring your delegate badge for entry and for planning purposes please RSVP for your free ticket at this link: https://welcomereception2018.eventbrite.ca Monday, July 23 6:30pm to 9:30pm Vancouver Art Gallery 750 Hornby St. Vancouver, BC on Coast Salish Territory Sponsored by:
The SportsBar at Rogers Arena Tuesday, July 24 7:30pm to 11:30pm The SportsBar 99 West Georgia Vancouver, BC on Coast Salish Territory The Aquilini Group and NHL Alumni Dave Babych, Kirk McLean, and Dennis Kearns and Troy Stecher from the Vancouver Canucks are pleased to host AFN delegates from across Canada at the Rogers Arena SportsBar where they will be treated to a high-energy experience in Vancouver s longest bar featuring entertainment by Squamish Nation s Tewanee Joseph s local rock band Bitterly Divine. This event includes a cash bar and complimentary appetizers. 100% of proceeds will go to the BCAFN. The SportsBar is located on the upper level of Rogers Arena, on West Georgia Street. Please bring your delegate badge for entry and for planning purposes please RSVP for your free ticket at this link: http://rogersarena2018.eventbrite.ca. Sponsored by:
Gala Evening The Gala Evening promises to be a stellar, not-tobe-missed event of celebration in honour of the newly-elected National Chief. A highlight of the evening will be prominent emcee, First Nations actor and doctor, Evan Adams. The evening will begin with a networking reception at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, followed by three -course dinner and fashion show by Chloe Angus Design. The after party will feature live performances from Juno award winner Murray Porter and his band, hip-hop artist DJ O Show and more. Sponsored by: Wednesday, July 25 6:00pm to 11:30pm Fairmont Hotel Vancouver 900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC on Coast Salish Territory
Thank You to our Bronze Sponsors Welcoming your community to our house. LANGARA COLLEGE, HOUSE OF TEACHINGS KFN ENTERPRISES www.langara.ca/ indigenouseducation Graphic Design by Nahanee Creative, a Squamish-owned communications studio fusing tradition and technology for social change. michelle@nahaneecreative.com PROUD TO SUPPORT THE BRITISH COLUMBIA ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS
VISITOR INFO 1. 4. 3. 2. * Visit Indigenous Tourism BC www.indigenousbc.com for local Indigenous cultural tours and activities. 1. Vancouver Convention Centre at Canada Place 2. The SportsBar at Rogers Arena 3. Vancouver Art Gallery 4. Fairmont Hotel Vancouver TAXI 604 681 1111 Friendship Circle Sponsors Sponsor of the First Aid attendants