July 21st, 1999
Vancouver, BC
20th Century Historic Gathering
Uniting First Nations---Tecumseh's Vision
Joint Annual General Assembly
Assembly of First Nations/National Congress of American Indians
by Tehaliwaskénhas
Sunshine, warm welcoming words, an elder's prayer, songs and dances followed by fiery phrases from Indian leaders greeted the hundreds of delegates who arrived for the historic gathering at Vancouver's Trade and Convention Centre on the city's downtown waterfront---the gathering of the National American Indian Congress and the Assembly of First Nations.
Several thousand delegates gathered. Aztec dancers from Mexico in full feathered regalia captured the eyes of all. Victor Guerin led the Musqueam Warriors in their official welcome with their traditional paddle songs and warrior dances.
Coast Salish elder Vince Stogan of Musqueam encouraged all to hold hands as he offered a prayer, calling on the grandparents, the ancestors to help guide the people in their words and meetings as they grapple with the issues.
The speeches began with a hard-hitting welcome from Musqueam Chief Ernie Campbell who said this gathering will only strengthen their resolve to determine their future, despite the efforts of assimilation and genocide.
Squamish Chief Joe Mathias said the task is to destroy poverty, snd he reminded the gathering there once was a law not so long ago that forbid this many Indians from being together like this.
Chief Leonard George of Tsleil-Waututh said it's time to give each other value and move forward working together with the belief they do not need to ask permission for their sovereignty. In addition to the hundreds of tribes from across the U.S. and First Nations of Canada, delegates came from as far away as New Zealand, Africa, Taiwan, Mexico and Guatemala.
National Chief Phil Fontaine of the Assembly of First Nations wearing his now familiar brightly coloured headress, proudly announced the signing of a protocol agreement that will set in motion the reunification of Indigenous Peoples of North America, as he referred to Tecumseh's "One body, One Heart".
National Congress of American Indians president Ron Allen, in suit and tie said, "I am humbled by the power of this assembly". In his words, the purpose of this gathering---"We are here to strengthen our sovereignty and to get honour, commitment and integrity from the other governments toward Indian people". Allen talked about the benefits of unity and used an Ojibway saying to make his point, "One twig can break easily, but not a bundle of twigs. We are a bundle of twigs". When the speeches seemed to be exhausted for the moment, Chairman Willie Seymour called on Fontaine and Allen to come together, and then shoulder-to-shoulder, arms raised they celebrated their togetherness. It sparked thunderous applause and some whoops and hollers of recognition and joy.
The day was not without protests. Indian youth demonstrated against inadequate leadership. A non-aboriginal group disrupted the noon hour with a protest against the higher lease rates being demanded by the Musqueam Indian Band.
An evening feast hosted by the Squamish Nation provided a much needed break from the day's heavy agenda, with the all the words and issues still to be digested. Issues related to health, resources, self government and the strategies to help make a better life for the people and communities they represent. Also, talk of business opportunities and international free trade amongst Indigenous Peoples.
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Canadian and American indians Join Forces
Summit to produce Historic Docment--Fontaine
BBC Reports on Vancouver Gathering
Indian/First Nations Summit:Renewal of Historic Ties
CBC Vancouver Reports
Vancouver Province Reports
National Post Reports
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July 20th, 1999
Vancouver, British Columbia on the waterfront, on a sunny day. This is paradise! But was this part of the vision of the great and noble warrior Tecumseh, in whose honour this gathering is named? Who can know such details.
But one thing is for certain, he would have been proud to be standing here at the Trade and Convention Centre/Pan Pacific Hotel for this historic gathering--a summit of chiefs and leaders representing tribes and first nations from all over Turtle Island...North America.
From the opening of the registration desk, to when the last resolutions are passed and final prayers are said---this will leave its mark for Indian/First Nation people as one of the milestones of the twentieth century.
It's the beginning of a process of world-wide co-operation. They hope to ink a deal to show solidarity. They'll have to grapple with tough issues. Health, loss of languages, self-government, treaties, resources, and challenges from within their own organizations. Let's not expect a love-in. As a matter of fact, there is no shortage of critics.(click here to see Canadian Press report)
However, with spiritual and cultural guides built into their individual and collective agendas they'll accomplish some of what they set out to do. Show themselves and the rest of society that we can work together with respect, be united with the common good in mind, and powerful enough that we will overcome.
Among the first arrivals Yvette Joseph-Fox, Colville tribe( Washington state) Executive Director, National Indian Health Board. Boye Ladd of Regina, Saskatchewan from Hochunk/Winebago Tribe (Wisconsin)- cultural advisor to the Assembly of First Nations
Totem faces next to Joseph Rich and Marcel Ashini, Innu from
Sheshatshiu, Labrador
I think the pre-registration estimates are a good indication of the expected successful turnout---the coming together of perhaps several thousand delegates, Elders, families, friends and associates. Turtle Island Native Network was told six hundred delegates pre-registered with the Assembly of First Nations, and around five hundred with theNational Congress of American Indians
W.Ron Allen, President of the National Congress of American Indians
gets ready for an executive committee meeting to prepare for their Assembly
[stay tuned for more coverage from Vancouver, British Columbia] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For Your Information>>>>> The following is a News Release from
Industry Canada Conference starts--Date: 1999/07/21 Vancouver, British Columbia
OTTAWA, July 19, 1999 -- From Wednesday, July 21 to Friday, July 23, Aboriginal businesspeople from Canada and around the world will meet in Vancouver at AFN NEXUS '99 -- a trade show and business conference.
The trade show is expected to attract over 400 exhibitors, representing the financial, professional, resource, manufacturing, arts and high-tech sectors of the economy. It will be the place for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal businesses alike to present products, promote services, find investors and build relationships.
Industry Canada's Aboriginal Business Canada program will have an information booth at the trade show, featuring four Aboriginal firms representing the high technology, finance, manufacturing and software development sectors: Rab Energy Group, Inc.; the National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association; InfraNet Solutions and ACR Systems, Inc.
The business conference on July 21 is called "International Indigenous Business in the new Millennium," and will feature speakers from Canada, the United States and New Zealand. Chief Roy Whitney, Chairperson of the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board and Bob Dickson, Executive Director of Aboriginal Business Canada, will be featured speakers at the conference.
Wednesday, July 21, 1999 8:45 a.m. (Chief Roy Whitney --Official Launch of the Business Conference) 12:30 p.m. (Bob Dickson, Executive Director, Aboriginal Business Canada Keynote Address "Innovation and Connecting Aboriginal Canadians") AFN/ Nexus 99 999 Canada Place (Waterfront)Vancouver, British Columbia For more information, please contact: Joanne Spanton Aboriginal Business Canada (613) 954-4065 spanton.joanne@ic.gc.ca For media interested in visiting AFN/Nexus: Native Investment and Trade Association (604) 604-925-6677
For media interested in visiting AFN/Nexus: Native Investment and Trade Association (604) 604-925-6677
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