(Lheidli T’enneh Territory, Prince George, BC – July 8, 2021) – The BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) Regional Chief Terry Teegee, board of directors, representatives, and staff are pleased to congratulate RoseAnne Archibald, the newly elected Assembly of First Nations’ (AFN) National Chief. Chiefs across Canada made history by electing the first female National Chief to lead this organization.
The AFN election for the National Chief was concluded after Reginald Bellerose conceded after the fifth round of voting left Archibald with 206 votes and Bellerose with 144, neither of which were enough to pass the 60 per cent threshold.
“It is my pleasure to congratulate the new AFN National Chief RoseAnne Archibald. I would like to acknowledge all of the other candidates who ran for the position,” stated Regional Chief Terry Teegee. “It was a difficult decision as each candidate holds much talent and knowledge and they worked hard in their campaigns. I look forward to continuing to work with the new National Chief and the AFN on the many pressing issues, many of which have been made more challenging and urgent by the COVID-19 pandemic and the mounting climate emergency impacts in British Columbia.
Chiefs in British Columbia were able to meet and engage with the candidates and challenged them with questions and comments on the many critical issues First Nations communities are facing including, the climate emergency – wildfires, flooding, extreme weather, transition to a green economy, etc., COVID-19 pandemic recovery, systemic racism, residential schools ongoing trauma and impacts, children and family services, fisheries, justice system, rights, title and treaty rights and self-determinism, and much more.
The AFN 2021 Election for the National Chief was held online due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Regional Chief Terry Teegee and the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) would like to express their gratitude to the National Chief Perry Bellegarde for his years of support and effort to build the AFN into a thriving and nationally significant institution which was able to pivot and rise to the challenges posed during this pandemic period and move forward with business and advance goals.
RoseAnne Archibald of Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN) holds 31 years of experience in First Nations politics. She broke new ground for women in First Nations leadership roles as she moved through several elected positions over many years. At the age of 23 she was the youngest, and first woman Chief elected for her Nation. Archibald eventually moved on to become the first female and youngest Deputy Grand Chief for Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN), as well as Grand Chief for Mushkegowuk Council. She served a second term as Chief of TTN, and a second term as NAN Deputy Grand Chief. For nine years, Archibald ran a successful consulting business providing advice and guidance to First Nations leaders, and organizations, specializing in negotiations and facilitation. She returned to politics in 2018 and became the first woman elected as the Ontario Regional Chief.
Go to the following link to view the AFN AGA election information: https://www.afn.ca/afn-election-for-national-chief-2021/
For further information, contact:
Annette Schroeter, Communications Officer.
Phone: (778) 281-1655.