A special chiefs assembly of the Assembly of First Nations started in Winnipeg Tuesday morning with the aim of electing a new national chief, and it also honoured Rinelle Harper, 16, who survived a vicious attack in downtown Winnipeg last month.
Harper was severely beaten and left in the Assiniboine River in early November.
Speaking at the podium, Harper advocated for an end to violence against women and girls.
"As a survivor, I respectfully challenge you all to call for a national inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women," she said.
Harper thanked everyone for the support she has received since she was attacked.
She talked about looking forward to returning to school and seeing her friends.
"I ask that everyone here remember a few simple words: love, kindness, respect and forgiveness."
Following her remarks, a drum group played to honour Harper and her family.
For the AFN leadership, there are three candidates vying for the top job including interim national chief Ghislain Picard, head of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Perry Bellegarde and Leon Jourdain, chief of the Lac St Croix First Nation in northern Ontario.
In addition to electing a new national leader, the AFN also has several resolutions to debate, including one to press the federal government on the issue of violence against indigenous women and girls.
Rinelle's ordeal, as well as the death of 15-year-old Tina Fontaine, has prompted renewed calls for action.
"We must learn from her story and say loudly and clearly, 'Not one more'," Cameron Alexis, the AFN's Alberta regional chief, told the assembly.
Picard said the assembly should consider holding its own inquiry if the federal government won't.
- with a report from Ben Miljure and files from The Canadian Press
