Assembly First Nation president Shawn Atleo. (CARMINE MARINELLI/QMI AGENCY)

OTTAWA - First Nations face a "life-and-death situation" and Canadians should call on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to take immediate action, Assembly of First Nation National Chief Shawn Atleo warned Thursday.

On the eve of a mass protest planned for Parliament Hill on Friday, a more-aggressive Atleo suggested his advocacy organization will carry out "legal, political and advocacy work required" to shine light on issues plaguing aboriginal communities.