Assembly of First Nations Offers Appreciation to Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, Appoints Ghislain Picard as Spokesperson

OTTAWA, May 7, 2014 /CNW/ - The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Executive Committee today expressed their thanks and appreciation to Shawn A-in-chut Atleo for his service as National Chief.

"The AFN Executive stands together in acknowledging the tireless efforts of Shawn A-in-chut Atleo to achieve the change required for First Nations and all of Canada, including advancing First Nation education. His commitment and dedication to fulfilling the vision of healthy, thriving Nations where every child has the opportunity to achieve their dreams has been unwavering throughout his career, and particularly as National Chief."

We recognize A-in-chut's long-standing commitment and dedication to supporting First Nations to drive the change they want to see and to achieving success, and we're honoured to have worked with him on the national Executive and we wish him well in all his future endeavors."

Section 22 of the AFN Charter states that in the event of the resignation of a National Chief, "the Executive Committee shall assume his role and function until such time as other arrangements are made by First Nations-in-Assembly." The AFN Executive met May 5 and 6 in Ottawa, and agreed to appoint AFN Regional Chief for Quebec-Labrador Ghislain Picard as spokesperson for the Executive until a National Chief is elected or until such time the Executive determines otherwise. Each Regional Chief will continue to lead their respective portfolio areas and together they'll guide the national organization.

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

SOURCE: Assembly of First Nations

Contact information:

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

Alain Garon, Assembly of First Nations Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382 or cell: 613-2920857 or email [email protected]