National Chiefs of the Assembly of First Nations

Assembly of First Nations

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a political advocacy organization that represents First Nations across Canada. In 1967, eight provincial Indigenous organizations formed the National Indian Brotherhood. This organization contributed to conversations surrounding the 1969 White Paper and other federal policies. In 1982, amid the Constitutional Conferences surrounding the rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada, the National Indian Brotherhood became the Assembly of First Nations.

The AFN represents over 600 First Nations in Canada. The governance structure of the AFN includes the First Nations-in-Assembly, Regional Chiefs and a National Chief. The Executive Committee includes the Regional Chiefs and the National Chief. Additionally, the Executive Committee receives support and guidance from five councils representing women, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, youth, veterans and knowledge keepers. National Chiefs are elected by the representatives for First Nations in the First Nations-in-Assembly. As of 2024, including National Chiefs of the National Indian Brotherhood and Interim National Chiefs, there have been 15 National Chiefs of the Assembly of First Nations.

National Chiefs of the Assembly of First Nations

* National Chief of the National Indian Brotherhood
** Interim National Chief