A former chief says he is tired of seeing energy companies reaping all the benefits from First Nations land.
George Stanley is one of eight people running to be national chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
The Frog Lake, Alberta resident says pipeline development is booming in northern Canada.
But he says First Nations aren’t sharing in that financial wealth equally:
“I see the increase on energy and pipeline development and then I see the Harper government speeding up the environmental reviews. All of this will put pressure on the spirit and intent of our treaties more than ever.”
As a former chief, Stanley says he knows the struggle many leaders are going through on behalf of their people.
He feels whoever is leading the AFN must speak up on regional issues.
Other people running for national chief include incumbent leader Shawn Atleo and fellow challengers Joan Jack, Pamela Palmater, Terrance Nelson, Elaine Gabriel, Bill Erasmus and Diane Kelly.