Assembly of First Nations re-elects Bellegarde as chief
Perry Bellegarde was re-elected as national chief of the Assembly of First Nations in Vancouver on Wednesday in a vote marred by allegations federal Indigenous relations minister Carolyn Bennett interfered in the electoral process.
On a second ballot, Bellegarde finished with 63 per cent of the 522 votes from chiefs and their proxies, while Sheila North from Manitoba received 24 per cent.
Miles Richardson, a former Haida Nation president from B.C., received 11 per cent.
Mohawk analyst Russ Diabo finished well back.
Katherine Whitecloud, a former Manitoba regional chief of the AFN, was eliminated on the first ballot.
Despite the concerns expressed by challengers over the federal Indigenous relations minister’s presence at the Vancouver Convention Centre during the voting process, in a concession speech after Bellegarde’s victory, Richardson committed to work with the re-elected chief.
“Our greatest strength is our unity,” said Richardson.
Some rivals and critics said Bellegarde has been too cosy with Justin Trudeau’s government and was letting Ottawa set the agenda on First Nation issues, simply maintaining the status quo and not advancing First Nations’ rights. Bellegarde said his work has gained momentum and isn’t done yet.