New Regional Chief pledges to speak out

The new Alberta Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations is ready to hold Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s “feet to the fire” to ensure First Nations people are heard.

Cameron Alexis was elected by Alberta Chiefs and their proxies to the position on Jan. 31 in Calgary. The Alexis Nakota Sioux Chief was declared winner after the first ballot, having garnered 25 of 45 eligible votes.

“I think it’s a huge responsibility at this time.  I have to do what’s best for all our First Nations people across this province as well as our brothers and sisters, to some degree, in the Aboriginal community,” said Alexis.

Taking the position now when First Nations issues are at the forefront and Indigenous people are mobilized under the banner of Idle No More, holding rallies, participating in flash mobs and blockades is not daunting, says Alexis, but a firm reminder that action is needed.

“I do believe the grassroots people have spoken and we have to, as Chiefs, we all have responsibilities to this process and I’m willing to try to be their voice and do the best I can… I’m certainly not shy to lobby and give it my best effort,” he said.

Alexis wants to keep moving forward on the inroads National Chief Shawn Atleo has made by getting Harper to commit to new government procedures to address First Nations concerns.
Alexis would like a chance to take on some of the larger portfolios that have driven the AFN under Atleo’s leadership the past four years.

Alexis says he has spoken to Saskatchewan Regional Chief Perry Bellegarde about working together on the implementation of treaties. In a news release, Atleo said he welcomed Alexis’ “knowledge and experience in the areas of Treaty protection and implementation.”

Alexis would also like to be involved in economic development.
Last year, the Alexis Nakota Sioux received federal funding to help launch a tourism initiative on the First Nation.

“I think a lot of First Nations in this province are very instrumental in moving economics along for their respective communities. There is a balance and there is a unified approach,” he said.

Economic development cannot happen, he maintains, without resource revenue sharing and consultation. The three are “all inclusive.”

Alexis, who served 24 years with the RCMP, would like to draw on that experience to help move forward the missing and murdered women and girls portfolio. The AFN, and other organizations, have been pushing the federal government for a national inquiry.
“I want to be there for the women, and I want to be there for the Aboriginal people who are missing right now as we speak,” he said.

Alexis has yet to decide if he will remain as Chief of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation. He still has 15 months left in his term. The position of Regional Chief is a three-year commitment.

“I see a bigger picture. The bigger picture is we have to fight for our treaty rights right now at this heightened level of situations,” he said.

In congratulating Alexis on his new position, Craig Makinaw, Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty No. 6, said, “We look forward to working with him at the regional and national level. We know that he will do his best to support the Assembly of Treaty Chiefs and to bring our issues and Treaty positions to the forefront.”

Alberta Liberal Aboriginal Relations Critic David Swann pledged that his party would work with Alexis “on issues important to First Nations people in Alberta.”

Alexis, a former Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty No. 6,  defeated Sandford Big Plume, of the Tsuu T’ina Nation,  Leila Houle of Whitefish Lake First Nation, Wayne Moonias from the Louis Bull Tribe, and Dustin Twin of Swan River First Nation. The Alberta Regional Chief position was left vacant after George Stanley challenged Atleo for head of the AFN and lost in July.