The AFN will become the UIN – the United Indigenous Nations – according to a proposal by the Assembly of First Nations restructuring committee.
The name change is only the beginning to a proposed overhaul to the troubled nation-wide organization. The proposal, tabled by the Chiefs in February, outlines a three-stage process. The AFN would transform into an alliance, then a federation, and finally, into what’s being called a United Nations model.
Along the way, the country’s 633 First Nations would combine to create larger Nations based on “the original nations of the Indigenous populations.” Plans also include the creation of an alternative dispute resolution system, headed up by a panel of “esteemed Indigenous representatives.” Regional centres could also be in the works, according to the 17-page draft.
By 2007, the new body would become an advocacy centre and secretariat for 60 to 80 First Nations that will share political and law-making authority.
And, the title of “Grand Chief’ could be gone too. In the next millenium, if all goes as planned, Matthew Coon Come could become the first “Secretary General” of the revamped UIN.
The restructuring committee will continue its work, while the draft proposal is circulated to all First Nations across the country this spring.
