Williams Lake, BC: The Tŝilhqot’in National Government stands with Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Roseanne Archibald in her call for a forensic audit and fundamental reform at AFN.
Earlier this month National Chief Archibald was suspended by the AFN executive committee and national board of directors. The National Chief’s efforts to create change within the AFN organization are long overdue. The suspension itself is egregious and unacceptable.
National Chief Archibald is the first woman to hold the position as AFN National Chief. The AFN as an organization is outdated and patriarchal, and the Tŝilhqot’in Chiefs are deeply concerned that it remains focused on politics rather than improving the lives of First Nations across Canada. The suspension of National Chief Archibald must end immediately.
Quote:
Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse, O.B.C., Tribal Chair, Tŝilhqot’in National Government
“The actions of the AFN executive committee and board of directors are absolutely shameful. Chiefs across the country elected National Chief Archibald – let her do her job. It is past due to shake up AFN as an organization. National Chief Archibald, the first female to ever hold this position, is a force for change that I have always supported.”
“The AFN National Chief should be elected by all Indigenous people in the country, not just by the Chiefs. That way the mandate will be truly about serving people in First Nations communities – not these ugly politics between Chiefs. Bring on the forensic audit, hold AFN up to the light, and clean house. AFN needs a total overhaul if it wants to serve the First Nations people that really matter.”
