Lonechild Elected As FSIN Chief

Lonechild Elected As FSIN Chief

Friday, October 30, 2009 at 12:16

 

 

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations has a new chief.

 

After three rounds of voting, Guy Lonechild was elected to the position by a vote of 464 to 328, over Red Pheasant Chief Sheldon Wuttunee.

 

Muskowekwan Chief Reg Bellerose and incumbent Lawrence Joseph were dropped off the ballots after the first and second rounds respectively.

 

In his victory speech, Lonechild told everyone they were going to have a “brighter, more loving future”.

 

“To all of the people who are out there in the jails, we prayed last night — we had songs. We prayed for your healing. We don’t forget you. And we’re going to pray that you’d be stronger. And when you come out, we’re going to help. That’s who we are,” Lonechild said.

 

Wuttunee, who immediately congratulated and hugged Lonechild when the results were announced, took to the podium after his defeat.

 

Wuttunee encouraged everyone to keep moving forward, united.

 

“Work together to support your leadership. It’s very important. Work together as leaders, as councillors, to support your chiefs. Work as chiefs to support our chief, the chief of the federation,” he said.

 

The audience gave Wuttunee a standing ovation.

 

Wuttunee went on to call Lonechild his friend, saying they spoke many times during the campaign.

 

He promised to continue supporting Lonechild as the new chief.