NAN congratulates RoseAnne Archibald on election as AFN National Chief
Tim Brody - Editor
RoseAnne Archibald was elected National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) last week at the organization’s 42nd Annual General Assembly, which was held virtually and hosted by Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit in Ontario.
Archibald is the first woman elected to be National Chief.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler was one of the seven candidates vying for the positon of National Chief.
After the third ballot he shared on Twitter, “After much reflection and in consultation with family and Elders, I have decided to support RoseAnne Archibald as the next national Chief in recognition of how important it is that a woman lead in the current circumstances. I encourage those who voted for me to support her.”
Archibald was elected on July 8 following fifth ballot results and after candidate Reginald Bellerose conceded.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Acting Grand Chief Walter Naveau, on behalf of the Executive Council, congratulated RoseAnne Archibald, of Taykwa Tagamou Nation, on her historic election as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) in the following statement:
“I feel a tremendous sense of pride and optimism as we welcome our dear sister and friend as our new National Chief. May her voice be carried across the Nations to bring healing and reconciliation across Turtle Island.
“RoseAnne has broken barriers throughout her life of leadership. She has delivered a powerful message that the healing and strengthening of our Nations can only happen when women’s voices are heard, understood, and respected. It is time for our youth to hear these words, and she is setting the path for our daughters and granddaughters to step into their rightful leadership roles and responsibilities.
“RoseAnne brings unique perspectives, experiences, and ideas to the office of the National Chief and will be a powerful advocate for all Nations. We look forward to working with her and strengthening our relationship with the AFN.
“Now more than ever, our Nations must come together to move forward and create meaningful action, healing, and reconciliation. I know that RoseAnne can unite us and lead us with a good heart, and we look forward to continuing our journey together on the Good Red Road.”
NAN shared that, “At 23, RoseAnne Archibald became the first woman and youngest Chief of Taykwa Tagamou Nation in 1990. She was the first woman and youngest Grand Chief of the Mushkegowuk Council, and the first woman and youngest NAN Deputy Grand Chief. She became the first woman elected as Ontario Regional Chief in 2018.”
NAN further stated, “NAN thanks outgoing National Chief Perry Bellegarde for his years of leadership and support, and acknowledges Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and all candidates for their leadership, commitment, and dedication to improving the lives of the inhabitants of Turtle Island.