Committees & Councils

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is supported by several Affiliated Councils. These councils ensure that the voices, knowledge, and lived experiences of First Nations peoples help guide national advocacy, policy development, and decision-making.

The PEI Office of the Regional Chief supports participation in AFN Affiliated Councils and encourages First Nations community members to engage where opportunities arise. These councils are vital to ensuring national advocacy reflects the diversity, strength, and knowledge of First Nations peoples across Canada.

The AFN National Youth Council provides a platform for First Nations youth to engage in national advocacy, leadership development, and policy discussions. The council brings forward youth perspectives on issues such as education, mental health, climate, culture, and community well-being.

Youth Council members help ensure that the voices of young First Nations people are reflected in national decision-making and future-focused initiatives.

The AFN Women’s Council advocates on issues impacting First Nations women, including safety, health, leadership, family well-being, and the advancement of the Calls for Justice related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

The council provides guidance to the AFN on gender-based issues and supports Indigenous women’s leadership at the national level.

The AFN Knowledge Keepers Council brings together Elders and Knowledge Keepers to ensure Indigenous knowledge systems, languages, teachings, and cultural practices inform AFN work and national policy discussions.

This council plays a critical role in grounding advocacy in traditional knowledge, values, and responsibilities passed down through generations.

The AFN 2SLGBTQQIA+ Council works to ensure that the voices and lived experiences of Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual First Nations people are reflected in national advocacy and policy.

The council focuses on safety, inclusion, health, human rights, and culturally grounded approaches that respect the diversity of Indigenous identities.

The AFN Veterans Council advocates on behalf of First Nations Veterans and their families. The council works to address recognition, commemoration, health supports, and services for Indigenous Veterans who have served Canada.

This council ensures that the sacrifices and contributions of First Nations Veterans are honoured and supported.