Introducing an Ally

Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL)

The AFNQL was formed in May 1985 and holds meetings of the chiefs of 43 communities in the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador about four times a year. Various political issues are discussed at these Assemblies-of-Chiefs. The chiefs also elect the AFNQL Chief for a three-year term. The current Chief, Ghislain Picard, has held the position since 1992 and is in his sixth term.

The AFNQL supports and represents the following 10 communities and nations:

• Abenaki
• Algonquin
• Atikamekw
• Cree
• Hurons-Wendat
• Malecite
• Micmac
• Mohawk
• Montagnais-Innu
• Naskapi

The AFNQL is associated with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) which is headquartered in Ottawa.

At the beginning of 2007, the AFNQL held a Forum on Society and the Economy in the Innu community of Mashteuiatsh. More recently, it unveiled a political platform to direct a series of actions aimed at profound change in First Nations relations with the federal and provincial governments. At the policy launch in November 2007, AFNQL Chief Ghislain Picard said: “We’re done with waiting. We will now take action to bring about the conditions that will allow authentic peaceful coexistence between First Nations and governments. This will be very, very far from the current status quo, which is no longer acceptable.”

The AFNQL platform is based on four fundamental elements: 1) recognition of First Nations governments; 2) the signing of territorial, tax and funding agreements; 3) replacement of the Indian Act by a government-to-government relationship; 4) implementation of the First Nations action plan.

For more information, visit their new website at www.apnql-afnql.com

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