New AFN chief from BCThe Canadian Press: The Assembly of First Nations has chosen a fresh-faced, worldly man with a reverence for traditional ways to be its next leader. Shawn Atleo at age 42 is the first national leader from British Columbia in 33 years...
Married to wife Nancy for the past 23 years and with two adult children, Tyson and Tara, he was named 'A-in-chut' and seated by his people as hereditary chief of the house of Glakishpittl of the Ahousaht First Nation in 1999. Before announcing his plans to run for national chief, he travelled home to seek the blessing of fellow chiefs, elders and community members...
Like his predecessor Phil Fontaine, Atleo has spent time on the international stage, participating in the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. He also led a delegation to support the recovery and rebuilding of indigenous communities following the tsunami in Indonesia and marched in Gwalior, India, to advocate for 80 million landless indigenous people. He talks of his people returning to 'healthy, economically sustainable and balanced communities, with everyone having a say, sharing responsibility and a role, and all able to pursue educational, work and entrepreneur dreams.'
The Canadian Press: Atleo becomes the public face of aboriginal negotiations with the federal government and will have to try to balance often-conflicting priorities of natives across the country, both on and off reserve. He'll also have to decide whether to take the organization in a new direction as it struggles for relevance in far-flung communities still waiting for a share of wealth from traditional lands and resources that were never ceded or sold...
Atleo has a background in education. He holds a master's degree in adult learning and global change and was named the first chancellor of Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, BC. He at one time was the executive director of a First Nations family addictions treatment facility. He promised to make youth an important part of his agenda...
'We will arrive at that place of health and prosperity, of treaties that are recognized and respected, of the honour of the Crown that's upheld,' Atleo said. 'A place where no longer we will be plagued by suicides, no longer we will be plagued by deep poverty or incidents of health... Together we will make sure that the country of Canada makes good on the apology offered to the survivors of the residential school system.'
The prime minister signalled the need for co-operation when he congratulated the tough-talking new chief... Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff and NDP boss Jack Layton also offered their best wishes and said they were looking forward to an open and meaningful relationship.
