AFN National Chief Congratulates David Harper on his Re-Election as Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief

OTTAWA, Aug. 30, 2012 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today offered congratulations to David Harper who was re-elected Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) yesterday during MKO's 31^st Annual General Assembly at Norway House Cree Nation, Manitoba.

"On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations and the national executive, I congratulate Grand Chief Harper on his re-election as MKO leader," said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo.  "He is an extraordinary leader and strong, dedicated representative for his people. I look forward to continuing to support his efforts in addressing the priorities in MKO First Nations and to working together to achieve concrete action for change based on the respect and implementation of First Nation rights and Treaties."

Grand Chief Harper is from Garden Hill First Nation, Manitoba.  This will represent his second three year mandate as Grand Chief of MKO. He served two terms as Chief of Garden Hill from 1998-2002. In 2004, he was re-elected as Chief of Garden Hill and was elected again in 2008 and served until August 2009.

MKO is a political advocacy organization that provides a collective voice on issues of inherent, Treaty, Aboriginal and human rights for the citizens of the 30 sovereign First Nations they represent. The MKO First Nations are signatory to Treaties 4, 5, 6 and 10.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow @AFN_Updates, @AFN_Comms.

SOURCE: ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS

Jenna Young AFN Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401; 613-314-8157 or [email protected]

Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382 or cell: 613-292-0857 or e-mail [email protected]