A historic moment for the Assembly of First Nations.
For the first time, a woman has been elected National Chief.
RoseAnne Archibald was the last candidate standing after her final opponent, Reginald Bellerose, opted not to continue after five rounds of voting.
Neither candidate had reached the required 60 per cent support. Archibald was leading with 50.5 per cent when Bellerose stepped aside.
“The AFN has made herstory. The Chiefs have made history and herstory. You have made history and herstory. It’s time for change on so many levels,” says Archibald.
Archibald, a former Ontario regional Chief, says victory breaks the glass ceiling other women before her helped crack.
“Today, we are making room for women. We are making room for two-spirited LGBT2QIA peoples. We are transforming this organization. We are evolving it,” says Archibald.
Archibald says her main goal will be to kick colonial policy to the curb.
But she pledged to the Chiefs attending the virtual meeting that she will represent them with humility.
