Angus Toulouse elected regional chief

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Ontario now has a new regional chief.

Angus Toulouse of Sagamok Anishinabek First Nation was elected to the position in a traditional standing vote during a Chiefs of Ontario meeting held on Eagle Lake First Nation on June 14. He replaces outgoing regional chief Charles Fox who announced his plans to resign in May.

Toulouse has been chief of the Sagamok Anishinabek First Nation, located near Massey, for the past 11 years and has served as a band councillor for six years.

Toulouse is also the Lake Huron Region grand chief for the Union of Ontario Indians and has served as chairman of the North Shore Tribal Council.

Toulouse was elected for a four-year term, instead of the customary three -year term as directed by the chiefs in assembly.

There were seven candidates nominated for the position of regional chief, including Wally McKay of Sachigo Lake, Lorraine Rekmans of Serpent River, Art Petahtegoose of Whitefish Lake, Allan Luby from Dalles, Chris McCormick of Batchewana, Larry Jourdain of Lac la Croix and Eli Mandamin of Shoal Lake #39.

The Chiefs of Ontario is the coordinating body for all 134 First Nations across Ontario. In his role as Ontario regional chief, Toulouse will also serve as chair of the Ontario Political Confederacy and will represent Ontario First Nations in the Assembly of First Nation.