Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

Reprinted with permission from Indian Country Media

Thousands of First Nation Leaders, elders, women and First Nation's youth gathered this week in Vancouver, B.C., for the Assembly of First Nations, or AFN, and the 39th Annual General Assembly and National Chief Election. When the announcement was made, loud cheers filled the crowd.

The election results were released Wednesday at 4:41 pm PT / 7:41 pm ET on July 25th, after incumbent National Chief Perry Bellegarde achieved the 60 percent mandated votes to win.

The initial results of the first election were Perry Bellegarde 286, Russ Diabo 40, Sheila North 106, Miles Richardson 87 & Katherine Whitecloud 19. Katherine Whitecloud was removed from the election and the second ballot began.

The results of the final and second election with a total of 522 votes was as follows: Perry Bellegarde 328, Russ Diabo 10, Sheila North 125, and Miles Richardson 87.

After the results, the candidates spoke to mixed reactions. Russell Diabo said, "you will be faced with consequences for the way that you voted," amidst boos from the audience. Miles Richardson said, those who are casting the votes, the chiefs of this country, are never wrong."

Sheila North said she kept her family at a distance "because this election got really heavy. My message is that we have to stay unified ... we have to stay together ... don't let the government treat you like children... You have to be happy and satisfied with the results of this election."

There were five candidates running for this year's election amidst strong-worded and even hostile voices coming forward on social media using the hashtags #AFNElection and #AFNElection2018.

The Akwesasne Freedom School students were invited to attend the AFN General Assembly to recite the Ohenton Karihwatehkwen and to sing the first honor song for Bellegarde. (L to R) AFN National Chief Bellegarde, Elder Advisor to AFN Mike Mitchell, Diane Longboat, Tewenhniserathe Benedict and Shoienkwarowane Sargent.

Among the candidates who were running was the incumbent AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde from Little Black Bear First Nation in Treaty 4 Territory, Russell (Russ) Diabo, a member of the Mohawk Nation at Kahnawake, Grand Chief Sheila North of the Bunibonibee Cree Nation, Miles G. Richardson of the Haida Nation and Katherine Whitecloud of the Mahpiya Ska Tiospaye of the Wipazoka Wakpa Oyate.

If either North or Whitecloud had been elected, it would have been the first time in history a woman would have been elected AFN National Chief.

In the midst of the strong words on social media Chief Perry Bellegarde expressed an optimistic response, tweeting: "I am honoured and humbled by the strong support I have received throughout this campaign. Kinanāskomitin. Together, we will continue to work to support all First Nations in their path to well-being and self-determination. #AFNAGA2018 #Cdnpoli #indigpoli"

Prior to the administered Oath of Office, the AFN tweeted, "Congratulations to Perry Bellegarde on being elected AFN National Chief."