Muskat Dam First Nation’s Alvin Fiddler was re-elected Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) at the Keewaywin Conference at Chapleau Cree First Nation, Aug.15.
“I am honoured to be re-elected as Grand Chief and I thank our Chiefs for giving me another strong mandate,” said Fiddler in a news release.
“I would also like to thank my wife Tesa and our two daughters, Allison and Lynette, for their continued love and support. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the executive council and the chiefs to advance our mandates to improve the lives of the people of Nishnawbe Aski.”
The priorities for the new executive council are to work with their member First Nations to develop a housing strategy, create an economic base for the communities, and dismantle the Indian Act while continuing to transform health, education and child welfare services.
A news release said Fiddler and NAN expect the new government in Queen’s Park to honour existing agreements from the previous government, including resource revenue sharing with First Nations.
Fiddler was first elected Grand Chief in 2015 and served three terms as Deputy Grand Chief from 2003 to 2015.
The three elected Deputy Grand Chiefs are Jason Smallboy of Moose Cree First Nation, Derek Fox of Bearskin Lake First Nation, and Walter Naveau of Mattagami First Nation. Fiddler and his deputies will serve a three-year term.
Thunder Bay-headquartered NAN represents 49 First Nation communities encompassing James Bay Treaty No.98 and the Ontario portion of Treaty No.5.
