Newly re-elected National Chief Shawn Atleo says he was humbled to be given another term in office this week and will continue working for First Nations people for the next three years.
The Assembly of First Nations annual general assembly ended yesterday in Toronto, and Atleo spoke with MBC at the conclusion of the gathering.
Atleo says he will be taking to heart some of the issues brought forward by other candidates running for national chief:
“We need to ensure that our languages flourish and thrive into the future; making sure that we address the issues of cross-border — the ability to travel freely under the Jay Treaty, for example; and that the rights of our sovereignty need to be respected and protected.”
Atleo also says he was pleased with the number of women who ran as candidates for national chief:
“I come from a matrilineal culture — one that is really led by the women. They are the anchors of our people, they are the carriers of our culture, they transmit the language, they are the givers of life. Really, what’s important going forward is to make sure that we address these issues of the violence in our communities.”
As well, Atleo says he was “absolutely exhilarated” by the number of people taking part in debate during the election campaign, including those who used social media.
He adds it is encouraging to see more First Nations youth becoming involved in the political process.