AFN - Why are you not allowing us the right to speak at your assemblies and to participate in decision-making?

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is holding their annual Special Assembly in Gatineau, Quebec.  Chief Ovide Mercredi just spoke to the Assembly about our great leadership.  We have some great leaders but the AFN does not allow ANY First Nations people whatsoever, except the Chiefs, to speak on any issues or allow them to vote for National Chief of the AFN.  The AFN makes decisions at the national level without consulting us.  If AFN truly was a representative organization of the interests of First Nations people, the AFN would allow the grassroots people to participate in decision-making and vote for National Chief.  This is NOT democracy and we, as First Nations people, have a right to speak under section 2 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  We want to speak as those issues directly affect us!  It's time for the grassroots to push the AFN for the right to speak at their Assemblies.  Until we do so, the AFN will continue to deny us the right to speak.