Fontaine wins third term as AMC chief

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Manitoba chiefs gave their enthusiastic endorsement to Phil Fontaine by overwhelmingly electing him to a third term as Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.

Fontaine, 49, was re-elected on the second day of the AMC's sixth annual assembly held in Winnipeg on Sept. 24. He defeated challenger Rob Bushie by a margin of 41 to 17 votes cast by 58 of the 61 chiefs within the alliance.

With a clear mandate from its members, Fontaine said the AMC will now concentrate on the process of dismantling the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and the implementation of self-government. The dismantling of DIAND in Manitoba is a pilot project that is intended to serve as a blueprint for the rest of the country.

In his concession speech, Bushie said the election process and the conduct of the candidates was a positive example of "what Native politics is all about." He observed that the issues were at the forefront of the race and no personal mud-slinging took place. He extended a hand of friendship and support to his opponent.

"Phil, if you need help from me you've got it. I'm your brother and I'm your friend."

Fontaine, who is from the Sagkeeng First Nation at Fort Alexander near Pine Falls, then received a standing ovation from the chiefs and the large crowd in attendance.

Although Fontaine was the clear winner in the election, he was compelled to address concerns put forward by his opponent and a number of chiefs. These issues included the role and accountability of the grand chief and the AMC to the grassroots in political and financial matters. The chiefs also looked for assurances that the sanctity of their treaties was maintained above all other confederations.

Fontaine told the chiefs that the treaties are fundamental to the development of First Nations and that he was dedicated to their protection. He also said the AMC's action in the dismantling process has not compromised the strength of the treaties.