A former candidate for National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations is pushing the organization to strengthen its electoral policies.
Muskowekwan First Nation Chief Reginald Bellerose, who was a front-runner for the organization’s top job, conceded to RoseAnne Archibald Thursday, following the results of the fifth ballot.
He was leading after three rounds. “Let’s add some stability to the elections. Let’s put some criteria on social media. Let’s put some criteria on how candidates conduct themselves. And this way, when people say the AFN Chief is irrelevant, you say no, it’s not because our system is ethical. It’s strong. It’s fair,” Bellerose said in his concession speech.
Bellerose suggested that he ran a clean campaign, not targeting other candidates.
He singled out Union of BC Indian Chiefs Grand Chief Stuart Phillip, accusing him of tactics to smear his campaign.
“It’s unfortunate, the tactics that you chose to lead. And I really hope that someday that you will call me and you will get to know the kind of leader I am as opposed to believing that social media,” Bellerose explained. “I have to say that because we brought forward a great campaign and then to be called out on something like this, that each nation has their own way of dealing with each nation has their own way of governing.”
Bellerose did not elaborate on the exact allegations levied against him. A search of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram did not reveal any accusations. Bellerose congratulated Archibald on her election win and wished her success, but said that national First Nations politics needs more Saskatchewan representatives.
(Screenshot of Reginald Bellerose making his concession speech.)