Bellegarde formally announces AFN run
- EFN Staff | October 02, 2014
Playfully exposing the worst kept secret in First Nation politics in Saskatchewan, Perry Bellegarde stepped to the microphone at Wanuskewin and cleared the air on his political future.
“I am here to formally announce my intention to run for Chief of the Assembly of First Nations in Winnipeg in December,” said Bellegarde to the media and several supporters as he was backed by Elders, Chiefs and Councillors from across Saskatchewan. “The reason I am running is simple. It is having the ability to make a change. My life has been dedicated to this. I know what it takes to make change.”
Bellegarde certainly has the experience. He has led at almost every level of First Nation government. He has been Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations for a total of seven years, a position he currently holds. He has been the Saskatchewan Regional Chief with the Assembly of First Nations. Previously he was the Assistant Tribal Council Representative, and then the Representative for the Touchwood-File Hills-Qu’Appelle Tribal Council for twelve years and he has also held local responsibilities as a Councillor and then Chief of Little Black Bear First Nation.
The only position missing on that resume is Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, a post he barely missed out on five years ago after losing out on an eighth round ballot to Sean Atleo.
Knowing full well the budget cuts to Aboriginal Government Organizations and the recent public struggles of the AFN have shaken the trust of grassroots peoples and called into question the relevancy of these political organizations, Bellegarde asserted in a scrum the importance of the work. “First, the issues haven’t changed. We need housing and education and health services and protection of our rights. And yes the AFN must become relevant and responsive,” he said. “We have to stand up for Aboriginal rights and title; we have to stand up for Treaty rights. There is always a need for a collective voice.”
With over 600 First Nations in Canada, and the long running divisions between Treaty First Nations and bands with Aboriginal title, candidates have to find a fine line of politics and a way to reach out to every band in one way or another and then unite them. He has already garnered support from local leaders like Chief Robert Merasty of Flying Dust, Chief Todd Peigan of Pasqual First Nation and Chief Rick Gamble of Beardy’s and Okemasis and from leaders across Canada including Chief Roger William of the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation in BC, Chief Marianna Couchie of the Nipissing First Nation in Ontario and Chief Ken Barlow of the Indian Island First Nation in New Brunswick.
“The Assembly of First Nations is at a pivotal point in its history,” said Bellegarde. “AFN must be relevant, responsive and respectful because creating positive change for First Nations– in our homes, at our jobs and with our families—is essential. Our people need and deserve effective leadership that is based on extensive experience and an exceptional degree of focus. I am committed to delivering exactly that.”
The election will be held in Winnipeg December 9-11. The only other formal candidate so far is Ghislain Picard, an AFN Regional Chief from Quebec. He is currently the acting Chief at the AFN.
Bellegarde won’t know the rest of his opponents until nominations close in early November, until then, to keep within the $35,000 AFN election budget, Bellegarde said he intends to get in front of assemblies and tribal councils. “I’m just trying to meet as many people as I can and tell them my plan,” said Bellegarde as he prepared to leave for a flight to Toronto. “After that it is in the Creators and First Nations leader’s hands.”