The Assembly of First Nations declared a national state of emergency Tuesday over the COVID-19 pandemic and is calling for a boost in "resources and support to First Nations."

"We say we want to de-escalate and we want dialogue," says Chief Perry Bellegarde.

B.C. Premier John Horgan spoke to the Assembly of First Nations Tuesday, a week after passing historic legislation on the rights of Indigenous peoples.

The chiefs of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia announced the decision in a media release on Friday.

In an analysis to be released on Thursday, the Assembly of First Nations says there are at least 62 First Nations, Métis and Inuit candidates running.

Neither Perry Bellegarde nor the AFN is endorsing a particular political party.

Indigenous Services Minister Seamus O'Regan made the announcement this morning at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton.

Perry Bellegarde said 61.5 per cent of eligible First Nations voters cast their ballots in 2015, and he wants that number to increase during the upcoming election.

AFN regional Chief Morley Googoo will have 20 days to respond to a letter from the AFN executive committee proposing his suspension in light of harassment and bullying allegations.

Assembly of First Nations Chief Perry Bellegarde ended his two year boycott of the annual premiers meeting, but says he will keep pushing for a regular Indigenous voice at the table.