David Pratt and Heather Bear will serve as FSIN Vice-Chief for the next two years. Photo by Joel Willick.
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations has selected the two vice-chiefs who will serve the organization for the next two years.
David Pratt of Muscowpetung First Nation defeated Simon Jobb and Lyle Whitefish for the position of Second Vice-Chief. Pratt won with 630 of the 941 ballots cast.
Pratt says he will not take this responsibility lightly.
“I look forward to coming back and sitting with you and your communities and developing an action plan and strategy to provide support for what you are trying to do for your people,” he told the assembly.
The seat was previously held by Robert Merasty who did not seek re-election.
Heather Bear of Ochapowace First Nation was re-elected as Fourth Vice-Chief, defeating Fenton Favel and Dolores Pahtayken. Vice-Chief Bear won with 358 of the 941 ballots cast. Favel received 330 votes.
Bear says she will continue to fight for a suicide prevention strategy and will continue to work with the member nations of the FSIN.
“Together we are strong and that is my commitment to be strong with our executives, assemblies, our chiefs and our commitments,” she said.
Member nations descended upon TCU Place in Saskatoon over the past couple days to attend the Election Assembly and cast their votes on Thursday morning.
Both the vice-chief elects were sworn in immediately after the winning announcements.
They will be serving two-year terms on the FSIN executive.