SNGR hosts Annual Chiefs of Ontario Assembly
Almost one hundred chiefs representing Indigenous communities from across Ontario gathered in Six Nations last week for the Annual Chiefs of Ontario Assembly (ACA).
This year's event had a theme of “Coming Together: Advocating for First Nations Sovereignty,” and included an election for a new Ontario regional chief (ORC).
After four rounds of voting, Abram Benedict, a member of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, was chosen as the Regional Chief of Ontario, receiving 50 votes.
“It is of the greatest pleasure to be elected Ontario Regional Chief,” Benedict said in a statement. “I thank everyone for their support as I transition into the role and look forward to continuing the good work on numerous key First Nations’ priorities. I look forward to serving each of the 133 Chiefs in the region as we work together to ensure that our Nations not only survive but thrive as well.”
Day 1 of the ACA had chiefs nominating their choice for regional chief. Five chiefs from across the province received nominations, including Abram Benedict, Rudy Turtle, Travis Boissoneau, Dean Sayers, and current ORC Glen Hare, who was seeking reelection.
The Chiefs of Ontario are made up of 133 First Nations across Ontario, with their goal being to support First Nations in the exercise of their inherent rights.
On the second day of the assembly, the candidates were given the ability to address the chiefs, about their plans for their candidacy and what they would represent as regional chief.
The addresses were met with varying levels of applause and cheers among the candidates. Many candidates touched on working with the government and advocating for the First Nations of Ontario and their needs.
After all of the candidates got the chance to address their peers, the chiefs were given the opportunity to ask questions about the potential ORC.
A common theme with the question period was asking the candidates about their concrete plans if they were elected.
Benedict's platform was based on advocating for the Chiefs of Ontario in the governments of Ontario and Canada. He spoke on the importance of this during his address and how advocacy is a major part of initiatives like the carbon tax and Bill C-53, among others.
Along with this, he said their experience with the current Ontario government will have them ready to work with the potential change in leadership at the federal level.
As the Chiefs of Ontario go into their 50th year next year, Benedict hopes to help lead them through working with the government while still advocating for First Nation sovereignty.
Ethan Braund is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter based at the Brantford Expositor. The initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
Ethan Braund, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Brantford Expositor
