David Pratt is feeling good as voting day for the office of National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) draws closer.
Pratt, who is currently the first vice chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) told MBC Radio News he feels he has run a good campaign while working to connect with chiefs, who will be electing the AFN’s next leader.
“I feel like I’ve been able to communicate my message effectively to the chiefs and answered their questions well,” he said.
During his campaign Pratt said he heard from chiefs across the country that housing on First Nations, specifically the shortage of it is something which especially needs to be addressed. Pratt said if he is elected to lead the AFN securing more support to address housing issues will be a major priority.
“The need to address housing is very important,” he said.
Pratt said his campaign has put on in person and virtual events to hear from leaders and people in the grassroots. He said the fact that people have been interested in engaging during the campaign, along with there being six candidates stepping up to run for national chief shows the AFN is important to people. He added that he expects to see more ballots cast than in the previous election, which was not held in person.
“I believe that there’ll be a lot of interest in this election and that voter turnout will increase from last voter turnout,” he said.
The FSIN first vice chief said he expects he will win votes from chiefs across the country. Pratt explained during the campaign he got the chance to meet new people while reconnecting with old friends. Overall he said the campaign has been a good experience which provided the chance to connect with a number of different people.
“Sometimes people were frustrated and kind of unloaded on you, but rightfully so, it’s to be expected because you don’t get that opportunity all the time to hear and connect with leadership and someone who could potentially be in their chief’s chair,” he said.
AFN delegates will be voting for the next national chief at a special assembly running Tuesday to Thursday in Ottawa.
(PHOTO – FSIN Vice-Chief David Pratt announces his intention to seek election as AFN National Chief. Photo by Joel Willick.)