There will be a new face on the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations executive.
At the FSIN assembly in Saskatoon Thursday, Craig McCallum defeated incumbent Heather Bear for the Office of the fourth vice-chief.
McCallum, a former Prince Albert Raider, received 458 of the eligible votes to Bear’s 419. Curtis Standing, who also ran for the office of the Fourth Vice-Chief received 98 votes.
“I am grateful, extremely grateful for the belief in me,” McCallum told the assembly. “One thing that I take pride in is I care for the prosperity of our people. I hope that during this term that I can bring some good to our nations and do something good to honour the decision you have made here today.”
Meanwhile, Dutch Lerat was challenged by Fabian Head, former chief of Red Earth Cree Nation for the position of Second Vice-Chief.
Lerat would be re-elected with 513 votes to Head’s 463.
“I thank you for your support,” said Lerat to the assembly. “The FSIN continues to be the strongest organization in Canada bar none.”
Lerat couldn’t recall how many terms he has served, as he was first elected in 1984.
“I want to thank you for that,” he said.
Both McCallum and Lerat will serve a three-year term.
(PHOTO: Lerat and McCallum pose for photos following their victories. Photo by Joel Willick)