Bellegarde Officially Launches Bid For AFN Chief

Bellegarde Officially Launches Bid For AFN Chief

Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 15:03

A former chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations has formally launched his campaign to become the next chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

Perry Bellegarde made it official earlier today at an event in Fort Qu’Appelle.

If elected, Bellegarde says he would focus his attention on five areas — economic development and employment, education and training, the environment, fiscal arrangements between the federal Crown and First Nations, and jurisdiction.

Bellegarde is one of three men who have announced their intentions to replace incumbent National Chief Phil Fontaine.

AFN regional chiefs John Beaucage and Shawn Atleo have also put their names forward.

Fontaine hasn’t said whether he will seek re-election.

The vote will be held in Calgary at the AFN’s Annual General Assembly in late July.