2023 Annual General Assembly
Social and Cultural Events
Kwe’ aqq Pjila’si!
We are proud to be hosting over 600 First Nation communities for the 44th Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Annual General Assembly (AGA) in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Nova Scotia, here in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq.
A huge welcome to nearly 3,000 delegates of Chiefs, Leaders, and Executives from across Turtle Island who will be attending the 2023 AGA and Trade Show.
As your host region, we have planned a series of Social and Cultural Events in the evenings that will showcase local First Nations art, music, food, and culture. Enjoy your visit with us in Nova Scotia, and if you wish to learn more about our region’s First Nations you can here.
Social and Cultural Events
Welcome Reception at The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Following a traditional welcome, visitors will experience the Mi’kmaw musical talent of Paul Pike and drumming by the Eastern Eagles. Visitors will have the opportunity to walk through the Art Gallery featuring Mi’kmaq artists and other Indigenous artists living in Mi’kma’ki (the territory). The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia will be showing the traveling exhibit called Arctic/Amazon: Networks of Global Indigeneity. The Welcome Reception is an excellent opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. A standing dinner, oyster bar and beverages will be provided in the reception area of this event.
East Coast SOCIAL at Pacifico Dance Club
Delegates and sponsors will be treated to a high-energy experience showcasing East Coast singer and fiddler Morgan Toney, whose sound blends Celtic, folk and traditional Mi’kmaw music. It will be fun filled event of dance, food, and nightlife. Guests will be immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of Pacifico, a stunning dance club set in a historic former bank building with soaring 18-foot ceilings. This event includes complimentary East Coast foods that are favourites in the region.
Lobster Supper at Pavilion 23 at the Halifax Seaport
The traditional Nova Scotia lobster supper promises to be a fun, not-to-be missed event to conclude the Social and Cultural Program. The event will take place at Pavilion 23 overlooking Halifax Harbour. The event will feature music by local Mi’kmaw musicians Don Ross, the two-time US National Fingerpick Guitar Champion and Alan Syliboy & the Thundermakers, a multi-disciplinary, multi-award-winning artist who weaves together music, spoken word and multimedia art. Guests will also be treated to a hilarious, stand-up comedy performance by Eskasoni First Nation’s Clifton Cremo who shares stories of his unique outlook on his Mi’kmaw upbringing. The event will be emceed by actor and director Glen Gould. Glen is from Membertou First Nation and is known in television for Tulsa King, Outlander, Cardinal, Dominion Creek, Blackstone, FBI: Most Wanted, Tribal, The Strain, Mohawk Girls and Cashing In. In film, he is known for Cold Pursuit, Rhymes for Young Ghouls, North Mountain and Charlie Zone.
Please note that the Welcome Reception and East Coast Party are only available to Registered Delegates and Sponsors. You may register for the AGA online at the Assembly of First Nations website here.
Our Sponsors
Generous Program Support Provided By:
GolD
Silver
East Coast SOCIAL
Bronze
Friendship Circle
Discover Halifax Guide
Travelling with family? Discover Halifax has created a special visitor’s guide for Delegates and their travel companions that highlights how to get around Halifax, Mi’kmaw and Indigenous points of interest, local culture, and even fun activities for children! Click the button below to start planning your visit to Kjipuktuk.
lobster supper shuttle buses
NS AFN has arranged for two small shuttles to ferry Delegates from points of interest around the city to and from the Lobster Supper on July 12th. Below are the two route maps each shuttle will take; the same route driven in reverse will be available at the end of the Lobster Supper.