From the Prime Minister to her home community, the congratulations are rolling in for RoseAnne Archibald's historic election win.
Yesterday, Archibald was elected the first-ever female national chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). From Taykwa Tagamou Nation near Cochrane, Archibald was the first female elected as Ontario Regional Chief and has served as Taykwa Tagamou Nation chief, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) deputy grand chief and as Mushkegowuk Council's grand chief.
There were seven people on the ballot vying to be the Assembly of First Nations national chief, including NAN's Alvin Fiddler.
Archibald and Saskatchewan's Reginald Bellerose were the last two people on the ballot. Bellerose conceded the race after two rounds of voting that saw Archibald earn about 50 per cent of the votes. To be declared the winner through voting, AFN requires candidates to have 60 per cent of the vote.
Shortly after Archibald's win, the congratulations starting rolling in.
“There is no better representative at this time, or in this moment, for First Nations across Turtle Island than National Chief Elect Archibald,” said Taykwa Tagamou Nation Chief Bruce Archibald, in a news release.
“Since the beginning of her career, she has been at the forefront of the issues our people face every day. Relentless in standing up for what she believes in, yet diplomatic in her approach. As all of our people across this country face unearthed trauma and begin the process of reconciling our future with the dark violence of the past, I have full confidence that National Chief Elect Archibald will fight for a better tomorrow.”
Chief Bruce Archibald, National Chief-elect RoseAnne Archibald's brother, added young people need vision, hope and a mentor for the future and he's confident she is that future.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation acting Grand Chief Walter Naveau also congratulated Archibald on her historic win.
"RoseAnne has broken barriers throughout her life of leadership. She has delivered a powerful message that the healing and strengthening of our Nations can only happen when women’s voices are heard, understood, and respected. It is time for our youth to hear these words, and she is setting the path for our daughters and granddaughters to step into their rightful leadership roles and responsibilities," said Naveau in a statement.
"RoseAnne brings unique perspectives, experiences, and ideas to the office of the National Chief and will be a powerful advocate for all Nations. We look forward to working with her and strengthening our relationship with the AFN."
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated Archibald on Twitter.
"I look forward to working together to further advance First Nation priorities and reconciliation," reads the tweet.
Congratulations, @Roseanne4NC, on being elected National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations - and being the first woman in the role. I look forward to working together to further advance First Nation priorities and reconciliation.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 9, 2021
