Grand chief Brian Hardlotte addressing the PAGC Assembly for the first time. Photo by Travis Radke.
Brian Hardlotte has been elected as the first new leader of the PAGC in 12 years.
The grand chief election was the main event of the council’s two day annual assembly which started yesterday. Delegates from the 12 First Nations of the PAGC chose their new leader from three candidates. The election, which saw a 100% turnout of eligible voters, saw a total of 253 votes.Topics of discussion at the event included dealing with alcohol and drugs in First nations communities and Indigenous representation in Canadian government.
“We have to get into the preview council and the federal cabinet,” says Hardlotte. “We have to open the doors for chiefs and The Prince Albert Grand Council.”
Hardlotte amassed a majority vote over his opponents in the first round of ballots, making him the decisive winner of the election.
“The two (other) candidates are highly qualified to be the grand chief,” says Hardlotte. ” But its the people that decide, its a democracy that we saw here today… they’re good men.”
The previous grand chief, Ron Michel was present to take part in the ceremonies honouring the new leader.
Michel served for 12 years as The PAGC Grand Chief after being elected in 2005.