Fontaine Addresses Chiefs For Final Time
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 13:52
The outgoing national chief of the Assembly of First Nations spoke about achievements and disappointments as he gave his final address as the organization’s leader in Calgary today.
Phil Fontaine has served as national chief for nine of the past 12 years and will be replaced tomorrow during an election at the AFN’s general assembly.
This morning, Fontaine spoke at length about the Kelowna Accord, calling it a great achievement — even though it has yet to be implemented by the Conservative government.
He also spoke about constantly having to fight the notion that chiefs are not accountable — and his concern with the number of First Nations children in foster care, which he pegged at 27,000.
As well, Fontaine spoke about how the H1N1 virus has hit northern Manitoba reserves hard, and he called upon the government to do right by those people and help them.
Fontaine was given a standing ovation and much cheering after he delivered his speech.
The five candidates hoping to replace Fontaine are debating this afternoon.
They are Shawn Atleo, John Beaucage, Perry Bellegarde, Terrance Nelson, and Bill Wilson.