An analysis of the First Nation, National and Global political, economic and social context landscape reveals many important considerations:

• A need for a shared vision of progress and shared definition of success

• First Nations leadership has been challenged by unfounded assertions of lack of accountability and integrity

• Emerging desire for unity to overcome imposed divisions among First Nations

• Participation in AFN Assemblies has averaged less than 200 voting delegates

• General concerns about the role of AFN have centered on consultation and accommodation

• AFN has enjoyed a relatively stable relationship with Federal Government, but recent funding challenges might necessitate significant changes

• Federal/Provincial Governments continue to operate from a position of non-recognition, denial and extinguishment of Aboriginal Title and Rights, and Treaty Rights

• Federal government has opened the door to Constitutional-like discussions through the commitment to greater provincial responsibility in the proposed Charter of Open Federalism – a lack of vigilance here could be a further set back to the recognition and implementation of First Nations governments

• The global economic crisis will set the broad context and will influence how issues, strategies and approaches are assessed

• Environmental matters and security will continue to be dominant themes globally

• Successful social change movements – principally the election of President Obama - have generated enthusiasm for change and hope for the future despite negative conditions



Within this context, our communities and leadership know we face real and daunting daily issues that require our diligence and commitment. These include poverty, violence against women, poor housing, children in care, gang and drug trade activity, unsafe drinking water, diabetes and other health challenges, suicide, threats to education supports, racism and discrimination, desecration of burial and other sacred sites. A decades’ long funding cap, and externally imposed divisions have hindered our ability to truly come together as nations. Provincial, territorial and international borders and federal and provincial laws and policies unilaterally developed and implemented have worked against us. Residential schools divided families, removed children from their land, culture and language. We are burdened with an Indian Act that defines who is and who is not a citizen and separates family living on and off reserve.

In summary, an analysis of the current environment reveals the daily, pressing crisis faced by First Nations leaders and communities as well as the unprecedented new national and global issues that, while significant and impactful on our communities, might also help establish a critical mass of conditions to create real change.