AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo welcomes the re-election of
Quebec-Labrador Regional Chief

OTTAWA , Jan. 28 /CNW Telbec/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo issued the below statement congratulating Regional Chief Ghislain Picard on his re-election to the AFN Executive yesterday.

"Regional Chief Picard is a dedicated and long-serving member of the AFN Executive. I have had the opportunity to work with him on various initiatives, most recently co-chairing the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly in December. I look forward to our ongoing efforts to advance the goals and interests of First Nations in Canada ."

A proud Innu (Montagnais) from the community of Betsiamites in the eastern part of Quebec , yesterday's election will begin Picard's seventh term as regional chief. In addition to focusing on regional priorities in the areas of health, education and housing, Regional Chief Picard has been a driving force behind a national petition urging the Government of Canada to sign on to the United Nations Declaration of Rights for Indigenous Peoples.

"The Declaration is an important statement of principles on how governments should work with Indigenous peoples. It gives a clear guide to our relationship and standards to measure how governments are upholding Indigenous rights," said National Chief Atleo. "I commend Regional Chief Picard's leadership in raising awareness and support in AFN's efforts to have Canada endorse the Declaration and look forward to continuing these efforts with him and other First Nation leadership in the country."

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada .

For further information: Karyn Pugliese, Acting Communications Director at [phone] or [email protected]