The Assembly of First Nations plans a Day of Ceremony in Ottawa on Sunday, October 25, ahead of formal discussions with first ministers on Monday.

In its October 21 announcement, the AFN listed the ceremony for 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the John G. Diefenbaker Building, 111 Sussex Drive. The First Nations–First Ministers’ Meeting’s formal discussions are scheduled for October 26.

National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said the gathering should be grounded in First Nations ceremony as well as recognition of rights and jurisdiction. The AFN said Elders and Knowledge Keepers helped shape an approach led by the host Algonquin Nation’s protocols and involving participating First Nations’ traditions.

The National Chief also encouraged First Nations elsewhere in Canada to hold their own ceremonies and gatherings Sunday.

The announcement asks media to register in advance and cautions that some ceremonial elements must not be recorded or photographed. Attendees are asked to follow Elders’ and Knowledge Keepers’ directions about turning off recording devices.

Source: Assembly of First Nations, October 21 announcement.

Editorial illustration of an Ottawa meeting agenda and calendar; it does not depict the ceremony.