RoseAnne Archibald has been elected as the new leader of the Chiefs of Ontario, representing Indigenous interests across the province.
Archibald, former chief of the Taykwa Tagamou Nation near Cochrane, was elected during the 44th annual All Ontario Chiefs Conference held June 26-28 in Nipissing First Nation, near North Bay.
Among the other candidates was incumbent Isadore Day, of the Serpent River First Nation, who had served as Ontario regional chief for the last three years.
Archibald is the first woman to hold the role of Ontario regional chief, and was also the first woman to serve as chief of Taykwa Tagamou. Her other roles have included grand chief of the Mushkegowuk Council and deputy grand chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, in addition to having close to 30 years of experience working with First Nations in various capacities.
Since 2009, Archibald has run a successful consulting business, providing consulting services to First Nations and their organizations, specializing in negotiations, co-chairing/facilitating meetings, and providing guidance and advice to First Nation leaders.
Archibald’s election elicited congratulations from several Indigenous organizations.
“RoseAnne’s heart has always been with our people,” said Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler in a news release. “I am confident she will be a strong advocate for the North in this challenging new role.”
Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare also offered his best wishes.
“I’m looking forward to working with the provincial territorial organizations and new leaders such as RoseAnne. We have our work cut out, but everyone is smiling and we need to work together as one to get it done,” Hare said in a release.
“I would also like to say miigwech (thank you) to Isadore Day for his commitment and leadership over the past few years.”
The Chiefs of Ontario is an advocacy organization and secretariat for collective decision-making, action, and advocacy for the 133 First Nation communities located within the boundaries of the province.
The theme of this year’s conference is Securing a Future for our Children: Advancing Our Nations. Some of the topics on the agenda include health, education, and reflections from Elders and youth.
