Assembly of First Nations Welcomes New British Columbia Regional Chief Shane Gottfriedson, Commends Work of Jody Wilson-Raybould

OTTAWA, June 25, 2015 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde congratulated newly elected British Columbia Regional Chief Shane Gottfriedson who was elected today at the BCAFN 12^th Annual General Meeting in Vancouver. 

"I congratulate Regional Chief Gottfriedson on his election and know he will be a strong voice on the national AFN executive," said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde.  "I look forward to working together with Regional Chief Gottfriedson to support his efforts to advance the dialogue around First Nations rights and title in BC and at the national level, and to advance First Nation priorities in BC and across the country."

Shane Gottfriedson was elected by Chiefs across BC region today in Vancouver and will represent the 203 First Nations in BC at the national level.   He recently completed his third term as Chief of the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc.  As stated in his biography, Regional Chief Gottfriedson seeks to create economic opportunities to benefit First Nations in a meaningful, sustainable economic environment that creates jobs and partnerships that provide economic growth.  Regional Chief Gottfriedson was instrumental in the recent decision by the Federal Court to certify a class action lawsuit against the federal government on behalf of First Nations students who attended day schools.  He also serves on a number of boards and committees working to advance First Nations priorities

Regional Chief Gottfriedson will join National Chief Bellegarde and the national AFN Executive Committee at the upcoming AFN Annual General Assembly July 7-9 in Montreal, QC.

"I offer thanks to my former colleague and former BC Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould for her long-standing efforts and commitment to advancing First Nation rights and priorities at the regional level," said National Chief Bellegarde.  "I acknowledge as well the work of Skawahlook First Nation Chief Maureen Chapman for her work as interim Chief over recent months."

Jody Wilson-Raybould was elected Regional Chief of the BC Assembly of First Nations in 2009 and re-elected in November 2012.   As Regional Chief, she championed the advancement of First Nations' governance, fair access to lands and resources, improved education and health, nation building and respect and implementation for First Nations rights and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

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

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations

Jenna Young Castro, AFN Communications Officer, [phone] ext 401 or [phone] or [email protected]; Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer, [phone] ext 382 or [phone] or [email protected]