JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS AND B’NAI BRITH CANADA

Toronto, January 8, 2003

For Immediate Release

Toronto, January 8, 2003 — Leaders of the Assembly of First Nations and B’nai Brith Canada met today with a view to strengthening the relationship between the Jewish and Native communities following the Ahenakew affair. After frank discussions, National Chief Matthew Coon Come and Vice Chief Perry Bellegarde of the Assembly of First Nations along with President Rochelle Wilner and Executive Vice-President Frank Dimant of B’nai Brith Canada are pleased to announce the following joint initiatives:

• 1. National Chief Matthew Coon Come and Vice Chief Perry Bellegarde will join B’nai Brith leadership on a mission to Israel.
• 2. Ten aboriginal educators will participate in a League for Human Rights Holocaust and Hope study tour in Israel.
• 3. B’nai Brith will visit First Nations communities in Canada to learn more about the situation of the aboriginal peoples.
• 4. B’nai Brith and the Assembly of First Nations will partner in the presentation of Taking Action Against Hate, the League’s anti-racist educational program, in designated communities.
• 5. B’nai Brith will support efforts by the Assembly of First Nations to utilize the aboriginal justice system in dealing with David Ahenakew, including healing and/or sentencing circles.

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Contact information:
1. National Chief Matthew Coon Come and Director of Communications Don Kelly Assembly of First Nations
613-241-6789 Fax: 613-241-5808 dkelly@afn.ca
2. Perry Bellegarde Grand Chief — Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
Vice-Chief — AFN Regional Chief, Saskatchewan camew@fsin.com
306-956-6916 / 665-1215 Fax: 306-955-3913
3. Rochelle Wilner President, B’nai Brith Canada
416-633-6224 Fax: 416-630-2159 cell: 416-254-1010
4. Frank Dimant Executive Vice-President, B’nai Brith Canada fdimant@bnaibrith.ca
416-633-6224 Fax: 416-630-2159 cell 416-802-1057

B’nai Brith has been active in Canada since 1875 as the community’s foremost advocacy and volunteer organization.

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