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“The AFN has made herstory
today. The chiefs have made history and herstory. It’s time for change on so
many levels.” —National Chief RoseAnne Archibald
By Shari Narine
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
RoseAnne
Archibald has made “herstory” today as she became the first woman to be
elected as national chief for the Assembly of First Nations.
Former
Ontario regional chief Archibald was leading on the fifth ballot of the
election with 50.5 per cent of the vote. Her lone contender, former Muskowekwan
First Nation Chief Reginald Bellerose, dropped to 35.5 per cent of the vote
after coming in with 43 per cent of the vote in the fourth ballot. Sixty per
cent support from the registered electorate was required for the next chief to
be selected.
Shortly
after the results of the fifth ballot were announced Bellerose conceded the
election to Archibald. He wished her the best, saying, “It’ll be a challenging
role, but I’m sure you’ll do well.”
Archibald,
surrounded by her family and community, shed tears as she finished swearing the
oath of office for her new position after being blanketed and smudged, with two
Honour Songs sung to transfer responsibility from outgoing national chief Perry
Bellegarde to Archibald.
“The
AFN has made herstory today. The chiefs have made history and herstory. It’s
time for change on so many levels,” said Archibald in her first address as
national chief.
“I
am so honoured to be a part of this difference and today to make a difference
for this organization moving forward. Voices are being heard that were never
heard before and we will not be silenced. Goodness and love will prevail.”
Archibald
committed to serving “with humility” and making room for women, two-spirited,
and LGBTQIA+. She also said she would be “hitting the road soon” to meet with
leaders, to walk beside them and support them.
Archibald
gave special acknowledgement to the women who had “punched that (glass) ceiling
before me and made it crack.”
One
of those women led Archibald in her oath. Delia Opekokew became the
first woman to run for national chief in 1994. In this election, three women
challenged for the position.
Archibald
also addressed the genocide that Indigenous people have faced and she issued a
warning.
“With
the recent discovery and recovery of our little ones across this country we
are all awake; we have all been awakened. And what people need to
understand and what people are coming to terms with is how settler Canadians
have benefited from these colonial practises and how we as Indigenous people
have been the target of genocide. While there is a new level of consciousness
we are going to stare this straight in the face and kick colonial polices to
the curb.”
She
also committed to ensuring the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and
Reconciliation Commission, which examine the legacy of Indian
residential schools, are implemented.
Archibald
recognized the six people who ran for national chief. Along with Bellerose, the
other names on the ballot were Jodi Calahoo-Stonehouse, Lee Crowchild, Alvin Fiddler,
Kevin Hart and Cathy Martin. Calling them her “competitive siblings,” she said
she hoped they could continue to work together.
Archibald
also acknowledged outgoing two-term national chief Bellegarde for his service.
“The work really begins
today and I am so looking forward to the path ahead. I am filled with hope. I
know that our allies are listening to us and they are there to help us. And we
will heal this country together. We will walk forward together,” said Archibald.
