Candidates for July 22nd AFN Election for National Chief
Praise for an inspiring, tireless leader
Appointment of New Chairperson and Commissioners of the Indian Residential Schools TRC
CFAR looking far – into the future
Candidates for July 22nd AFN Election for National Chief
Loretta Pete Lambert, the Chief Electoral Officer responsible for the July 2009 election for the office of National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, has received and approved nomination papers from the following persons (home region included):
• Shawn Atleo (British Columbia)
• John Beaucage (Ontario)
• Perry Bellegarde (Saskatchewan)
• Terrance Nelson (Manitoba)
• Bill Wilson (British Columbia)
The election for the position of National Chief will be held at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre in Calgary, AB on July 22, 2009 during the AFN's 30th Annual General Assembly (July 21-23).
Elections are held in accordance with the AFN Charter, which states that the first person to receive sixty (60) percent of the votes from registered voters at the Assembly will be declared the winner. There are 633 First Nations communities in Canada that are recognized as members of the Assembly of First Nations.
Praise for an inspiring, tireless leader
After his June 4th announcement confirming that he will not seek to extend his three-term marathon as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, political leaders lined up to pay their respects to Phil Fontaine.
The sentiment is much the same from everyone – Phil Fontaine has left a legacy of hope and has changed much for Canada’s Aboriginal people.
Fontaine’s crowning victories include a massive compensation settlement for rampant abuse in Native residential schools. The landmark deal is expected to top $4 billion when all cases have at last been resolved.
Fontaine was also in the House of Commons last June 11 when the Harper government offered a contrite apology on behalf of all Canadians. Fontaine responded in full regalia and headdress. The historic moment was made all the more moving by the fact that Fontaine himself was a victim of sexual and physical abuse as a boy at the Fort Alexander school in Manitoba.
Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl marvelled at Fontaine’s longevity as a leader having to juggle complex demands from 633 Chiefs across Canada.
“Not only did he do it successfully politically, but he got a lot done for First Nations that probably would have been unheard of or unthought of at the start of his career.”
Strahl was asked if he would be so kind if he thought Fontaine might run for the Liberals.
“I don’t know if… he has any other political aspirations or not,” he said. “I assume that a man of that calibre’s going to get a lot of invitations regardless of what he decides (to do).”
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff was also effusive in his praise for Fontaine.
“Although he is stepping down from the AFN, his dedication to the advancement and self-determination of Indigenous people in Canada and around the world will not end here.”
Perry Bellegarde, candidate for National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, said, “As First Nations people it is our tradition to respect and honour the wisdom of our Elders and leaders. We know that the path becomes clear and the future comes into focus when we are standing upon the shoulders of those who have come before us. Through his guidance and commitment to our people, National Chief Fontaine has given us very strong shoulders upon which to stand. His numerous accomplishments while in office are now woven into the rich fabric of our history. Not only do I wish him well in his next endeavours, but I will welcome his counsel if I am elected in July.”
Echoing the rest of the country, First Nations leadership in BC expressed heartfelt gratitude and respect for the National Chief. A press release from the group stated that over his nine years as National Chief, Phil Fontaine has earned the trust and appreciation of First Nations people across the country and all Canadians through his vision and tireless advocacy efforts. He is a dedicated and highly respected leader and statesman in Canada and internationally. He has been instrumental in facilitating change and advancement for First Nations people from the time he was first elected to public office.
“Phil has been a role model and his work has gone far beyond the First Nations’ community to benefit all Canadians. His every word and action has been done so in the spirit of advancing the causes of our people. His tireless efforts have had international impact, drawing the attention of Indigenous people the world over and inspiring them to pursue greater justice for their people,” says BC Regional Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, who is also running for AFN Chief. “He has done an exceptional job and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
“Phil Fontaine can be content to know, as he leaves the National Chief Office, he has gained the respect and gratitude of First Nations across Canada. We watched a Canadian Prime Minister stand up in the House of Commons and apologize to all the victims of Canada’s residential schools thanks in large part the the relentless advocacy by our National Chief,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.”I thank him for the years he has dedicated to ensuring the voices of our people are heard and wish him well as he moves on to the next state of his illustrious career.”
“Phil Fontaine has worked tirelessly as an advocate for all First Nations peole from coast to coast during his three terms as National Chief. We thank him for his time and efforts to work towards closing the devastating social and economic gaps faced by First Nations in Canada as well as his powerful leadership in ensuring the successful resolution and settlement of claims arising out of the 150 year Indian residential school tragedy,” said Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit political executive. “We also thank National Chief Fontaine’s family and the Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba for their generous support and their willingness to share the National Chief’s time with First Nations across Canada.”
He leaves the assembly on a high note as it struggles for relevance in far-flung communities still waiting for a fair share of wealth from traditional lands and resources that were never ceded or sold.
“I’ve always tried to convey to Canadians that First Nations are not asking for any special treatment. We are seeking what is rightfully ours,” says Fontaine. “We insist on fairness and justice – nothing more, nothing less.” As it should be.
Native Journal wishes Phil Fontaine all the best in the next phase of his career and his life and thanks him for his contributions over the years. We join the rest of the nation in wishing his family well.
Appointment of New Chairperson and Commissioners of the Indian Residential Schools TRC
The Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) welcomes the appointment of The Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair as Chairperson and Marie Wilson and Chief Wilton Littlechild as Commissioners.
Chairperson Justice Murray Sinclair is a member of the Three Fires Society, and a Third Degree Member of the Midewiwin (Grand Medicine) Society of the Ojibway. Manitoba's first Aboriginal judge, Justice Sinclair brings to the TRC his many years of commitment advocating for Aboriginal rights and expert knowledge of Aboriginal culture and the administration of justice.
Commissioner Marie Wilson has dedicated her career to living and working in a cross cultural environments within Canada and internationally, as an educator, award-winning journalist, broadcast trainer, program director, and regional executive in both the public broadcast and public service sectors.
Commissioner Chief Wilton Littlechild is from Maskawacis Cree Territory of Treaty No. 6. He was the first Treaty First Nations person to receive his law degree from the University of Alberta in 1976. He is a strong advocate for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and a former residential school student.
With the appointment of the Commission, the TRC looks forward to launching its mandate activities as soon as possible.
CFAR looking far – into the future
By Terry Lusty
Several years ago about 40 experienced Aboriginal professionals and conference-goers dreamed of having a society dedicated to the creation of a forum that could gather together many Aboriginal professionals to work and share collectively on areas of interest via advocacy, networking and education. The upshot of that gathering was the birth of CFAR (Circle for Aboriginal Relations) Society whose mission is, “To provide support, information and networking opportunities to (its) members.”
Entertainer Winston Wuttunee sings for the conference delegates.
Six years later the society has delivered three conferences at the River Cree Resort, this year on June 4-5 with no fewer than 31 major financial sponsors – mostly from forestry and the oil industry. Billed as “Leadership through Accountability,” this conference was designed to showcase leadership and accountability in areas such as environmental stewardship, economic development, education and community autonomy.
Two of this year’s keynoter speakers were Tsimshian lawyer and businessman Calvin Helin and Osoyoos First Nation Chief Clarence Louie who claimed, “I don’t consider myself a politician, rather a worker.” He advises Aboriginal voters to not vote for “leaders who cry.” He says, “all their speeches are the same… [as in] I care about the youth… I care about the land… it’s what they all say.”
Chief Clarence Louie of the Ooyoos First Nation in BC speaks at the CFAR Conference held at the River Cree Resort in Enoch, AB.
Continuing, Louie suggested that people should vote for, “people who you can measure by what they do and accomplish.” He doesn’t really believe in warriors who do nothing but agitate. “Real warriors hold a job . . . make an honest living,” he quipped. “Our ancestors worked hard for a living. Today, economic development is the new warrior battleground,” he added.
Speaking of economics, “Aboriginal people need to get into business.” As an example, Louie pointed to sponsors of the CFAR Conference. “Who are they? They’re businesses,” he stated matter-of-factly.
Louie's message: “You need to create businesses in your own communities so your people don’t leave the reserves” for the city.
“To me, it all comes down to the economy. [Our leaders] spend far too much time, energy, dollars on treaties, laws, rights, etc. Give communities a sound economic base and you’ll have a healthy, happy community.”
In so saying, Louie pointed to Enoch Reserve’s River Cree Resort and Casino. “An awesome program,” he exclaimed.
Then, too, there’s the youth. “Youth should have summer jobs. These often impact their future work, careers, successes.”
Presenter Calvin Helin is another entrepreneur who recently released a new book entitled, Dances With Dependency: Indigenous Success Through Self Reliance.
“Reviewers have universally been star-struck with the brilliance of this book,” says Ronald F. Maclsaac. “This highly readable text will save hours of research for those working to rectify historic and modern day injustice. “Howa’a” [Haida for thank you] for pointing to such a simple answer to the problems of our Canadian First Nations people.”
The first day of the conference included a Gala dinner with live entertainment by veteran singer Winston Wuttunee and his son, Eric. Winston, who has recorded numerous albums, is also a multi-talented musician, emcee, storyteller and comedian.
Youthful vocalist Akina Shirt likewise captivated her audience with her powerful vocals and superb vibrato.
Some other conference presenters were Wayne Thorp, a Registered Professional Forester, as well as Morley Reserve’s Ike Solway and Bigstone Band’s Jan Noskiye. This duo graduated from the ARC Land Stewardship Program that incorporates sustainable land and resource management.
As for Thorp, he’s been operating his own consulting firm, was the General Manager for Diashowa (pulp and sawmill) up at Peace River for 17 years not to mention many more successes during his life.
Overall, another successful year and another successful CFAR conference!