Straight Talk

Shawn Atleo seeks reelection as national chief of Assembly of First Nations

by Stephen Hui on June 13th, 2012 at 12:11 PM
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      Shawn A-in-chut Atleo is seeking a second term at the helm of the national organization representing First Nations in Canada.

      The hereditary chief of the Ahousaht First Nation on Vancouver Island is one of eight candidates for the post of national chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

      “I am humbled and honoured by the support of leadership from right across the country. I look forward to constructive dialogue on the important issues before us,” Atleo said in a statement posted today (June 13) on Facebook. “I welcome and encourage a frank exchange of ideas on advancing our Treaty and inherent rights and responsibilities – this is what First Nation citizens expect and deserve. We have a proud tradition of debate and most importantly consensus building to strengthen and empower the success of all of our Nations. I believe firmly that by respecting our diversity, we can and must find ways to support one another. We are absolutely stronger together.”

      The other candidates are Bill Erasmus, Ellen Gabriel,Joan Jack, Diane M. Kelly, Terrance Nelson, Pamela Palmater, and George Stanley.

      Atleo, the only nominee from B.C., won his current three-year term after the 2009 election went to eight ballots.

      Chiefs from across Canada will elect the next national chief on July 18 during the AFN's 33rd annual general assembly in Toronto.

      633 First Nations communities are members of the AFN.

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      Comments

      2 Comments

      Sheeple

      Jun 13, 2012 at 4:38pm

      I'm impressed with this Guy he is as smart, articulate and modern forward thinking as any politician or leader in Canada.

      We should as Canadians take him seriously or we will wake up with the China government as their largest investors and allies.

      vi

      Jun 14, 2012 at 7:58am

      Sheeple is right...non-Aboriginals need to take note. The Indian Act and Treaties and Aboriginal business involves every man woman and child in Canada...everyone needs to pay attention to the real state of affairs around Aboriginal rights and title that predates Canada the nation state and all that it means. Non-Aboriginals have been sold a bill of goods by the settler government and now there will be hell to pay...it could be a long hot summer starting in Anishnabek country with groups bailing out of the Indian Act and setting up their own settlements in traditional lands that right and title has not extinguished ...we have all failed to understand the real historical relationship...Shawn is our best bet....from both sides....