The six candidates vying to become the next national chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), an organization that represents more than 600 First Nations in Canada, crossed swords at a forum in Winnipeg on Wednesday.
Four of the major Manitoba First Nations groups organized this two-hour forum that brought together all candidates for leadership of the organization. They explained how they would defend treaty rights, sovereignty and health issues.
The candidates are Reginald Bellerose, Craig Makinaw, Sheila North, David Pratt, Dean Sayers and Cindy Woodhouse.
Some of them argued that the Assembly of First Nations needs an overhaul following the ouster of former national chief RoseAnne Archibald, who was ousted after her colleagues accused her of creating an environmentally damaging plant. Ms Archibald has denied the allegations.
A leader asked the candidates how they would ensure the people LGBTQ and Two-Spirit people are adequately represented at meetings.
Some candidates praised the council’s work LGBTQ within the Assembly of First Nations and said they would make involving diverse council members in decisions a priority.
The election of the next person to lead the Assembly of First Nations will take place next Wednesday in Ottawa.
Award-winning entrepreneur. Baconaholic. Food advocate. Wannabe beer maven. Twitter ninja.
