First Nations are facing the election of a new leader of the Assembly of First Nations, one of the biggest players in relations between First Nations and the federal government. They are also deciding what to do about a contentious piece of federal legislation that aims to reform on-reserve education, which helped trigger the resignation of the AFN's last national chief.

Many First Nations people live in the remote places of this country that are being eyed by resource developers. But they are also one of the fastest growing segments of the population and some of the least advantaged members of Canadian society.

Chiefs must answer to a populace, especially the youth, that is growing increasingly frustrated and are demanding a change in the way First Nations deal with governments, industry and other Canadians.

Here's what you need to know.