A candidate in the race for National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations says she thinks the job should go to someone who is familiar with the land.
Joan Jack is one of eight people to toss their hats into the ring for the July 18th election.
She is a lawyer, a band councillor with Manitoba’s Berens River First Nation and a mother of six children.
Jack says the position of National Chief is a symbolic office that needs to be filled by a well-rounded person:
“And we have to have somebody in that office who understands treaty rights, Aboriginal title, and who actually has lived on the land — and that’s what I bring to the office.”
Part of Jack’s time is spent operating a wilderness camp with her husband.
Incumbent Shawn Atleo is running against six other challengers: Bill Erasmus, Elaine Gabriel, Terrence Nelson, Diane Kelly, Pamela Palmater and George Stanley.