AFN appoints interim spokesperson following Atleo's resignation
- EFN Staff | May 07, 2014
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has appointed an interim spokesperson in the wake of Shawn Atleo's resignation.
It also issued a statement, thanking Atleo for his service as National Chief.
"The AFN Executive stands together in acknowledging the tireless efforts of Shawn A-in-chut Atleo to achieve the change required for First Nations and all of Canada, including advancing First Nation education. His commitment and dedication to fulfilling the vision of healthy, thriving Nations where every child has the opportunity to achieve their dreams has been unwavering throughout his career, and particularly as National Chief.
"We recognize A-in-chut's long-standing commitment and dedication to supporting First Nations to drive the change they want to see and to achieving success, and we're honoured to have worked with him on the national Executive and we wish him well in all his future endeavors," the AFN Executive said in a statement.
Section 22 of the AFN Charter states that in the event of a resignation of a National Chief, "the Executive Committee shall assume his role and function until such time as other arrangements are made by First Nations-in-Assembly."
After a two-day discussion earlier this week, the Executive has agreed to appoint AFN Regional Chief for Quebec-Labrador Ghislain Picard as spokesperson for the Executive until a National Chief is elected or until such time the Executive determines otherwise.
His first order of business may be dealing with the fall out of the First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act being put on hold, as announced by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada Minister Bernard Valcourt earlier this week. Chiefs will be meeting on May 15 and holding a special assembly May 27, and say they hope to reach a "collective position."