The Special Chiefs Assembly is underway, and it started off with a standing ovation from the chiefs for Theresa Spencer, chief of Attawapiskat First Nation, for booting the third-party auditor that the federal government sent in as an answer to her pleas for help regarding the 1,800-member community's severe housing crisis.

The conference is being webcast. Video of Atleo's 30-minute opening address can be viewed here.

Below, Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, previews the main topics and invites everyone to view the webcast and keep abreast of what's being covered.