Assembly of First Nations National Chief Offers Condolences Following Plane Crash Near North Spirit Lake First Nation

OTTAWA, Jan. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today offered condolences following a plane crash near North Spirit Lake First Nation.

"On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations and the national executive, I offer sincere condolences to the families and communities of those lost in today's tragic plane crash," said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo.  "Our thoughts and prayers are with the leadership and citizens of North Spirit Lake First Nation, as well as our brothers and sisters across Treaty 9 and Treaty 5 territory impacted by this tragedy."

Full details have yet to be released, but reports say at least four people were killed when the small plane went down around 10 a.m. today while approaching the airport in North Spirit Lake. The four passengers and pilot were travelling from Winnipeg, MB.

North Spirit Lake First Nation is located about 400 kilometers north of Dryden, ON.

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

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

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