Assembly of First Nations Welcomes New Chief Executive Officer Judy White

OTTAWA, Sept. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is pleased to announce the appointment of the new incoming Chief Executive Officer Judy White, who will assume her duties on November 1, 2016. Ms. White, a Mi'kmaq lawyer and member of the Flat Bay Band in Newfoundland, will replace Interim CEO Jon Thompson.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde and the full AFN Executive and staff team welcome Ms. White to the AFN during an exciting time of opportunities to work on behalf of First Nations.

"While we were fortunate to field applications from many talented First Nations professionals, Ms. White's qualifications and conviction set her apart. I am certain her experience and insights will benefit our work to close the socio-economic gap between First Nations and Canadians and to advance the implementation of the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples," National Chief Bellegarde said.

"I am very excited to step into this important national role," said Ms. White. "I look forward to working with all of the staff and the Executive of the Assembly of First Nations to advance the agenda put forward by First Nations and the National Chief. There has never been a more exciting time to work in Indigenous advocacy. I am thrilled to now find myself at the heart of this work."

Hailing from Conne River, Newfoundland, Ms. White is an accomplished lawyer with a background in Aboriginal Law, First Nation Government and land and resources. She has served as the Self Government Advisor to Miawpukek First Nation, and until recently has practiced law as partner of McDonald White law firm. She has vast board and governance experience and has served many agencies in various capacities including the National Centre for First Nations Governance, and the First Nations Statistical Institute.

The Assembly of First Nations extends its deepest gratitude to outgoing Interim CEO Jon Thompson who stepped in to lead over the past six months.

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations

For media requests or more information: Jenn Jefferys, Communications Officer, Assembly of First Nations, [phone], [email protected]; Alain Garon, Bilingual Communications Officer, Assembly of First Nations, [phone], [email protected]