Former FSIN Chief contests for AFN National Chief

What can Perry Bellegarde do as a national leader of Aboriginal people in Canada?
If elected as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Bellegarde said he will focus on economic development, education, the environment, fiscal arrangements between the Federal Crown and First Nations, jurisdiction, and languages and culture.
But Bellegarde's biggest vision is perhaps to bring about positive change to all First Nations people across Canada.
"I want to provide hope for our children, grandchildren, and those who have yet to come, by upholding the Charter of the AFN and executing all mandates delegated and directed by the First-Nations-in-Assembly," Bellegarde said in an interview with Sage.
He also hopes to work together with other Aboriginal groups such as Inuit and Métis, "to bring our issues to the next level, to raise awareness of the issues Aboriginal people face and make significant change for First Nations communities," he said.
One of Bellegarde's major goals is to create awareness throughout Canada about the 'third world' conditions that are evident in many First Nations communities.
"In terms of the United Nations quality of life index, Canada places eighth," he said. "As for First Nations people living on-reserve, we place sixty-third."
Bellegarde hopes to work at lowering that number so that on-reserve First Nation people will eventually become equal with the mainstream population. He said there is a high cost to the poverty in a number of reserves across Canada and his hope is to lower that number so that the rest of Canada can witness that change.
When asked to describe his leadership approach with one word, he was quick to respond 'Determination'.
"In terms of education, land claims, and housing, these high social costs will come down," he said. "We will lower these costs when First Nations start winning on all fronts."
These are steps that will help First Nations people grow into a stronger nation," he said.
Some of Bellegarde's priorities are to negotiate the removal of the 2% cap on First Nations funding, create opportunities for development on reserves, and ensure more funding for First Nation students, just to name a few.
He plans to focus on creating awareness and understanding with the Canadian population as a whole.
Alongside these goals he considers also the traditional aspect to create change, such as revitalizing First Nations languages by creating a national institute for research and education, and to work at preserving the languages for generations to come. As well, he wants to work towards protection and preservation of the land.
Bellegarde's main motivation to become a national leader is to see treaties honored and implemented according to interpretation of intent.
Hailing from the Little Black Bear First Nation in southern Saskatchewan, Bellegarde graduated from the University of Regina with a degree in Business Administration and has worked in decision-making capacities for many First Nations including the Touchwood-File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council and the Little Black Bear First Nation. He was also elected Grand Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the Regional Vice Chief for the AFN.
The upcoming elections for AFN National Chief will be held in Calgary on July 22. Vying for the position alongside Bellegarde are Ontario Grand Council Chief, John Beaucage, and Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, who is currently AFN's Regional Chief in British Columbia. Also running are Terrance Nelson of Manitoba and Bill Wilson of British Columbia.
The election of candidates for National Chief will be followed by votes placed by approximately 635 band chiefs across the country.
Phil Fontaine, who has held the position of AFN National Chief since 2003, and held another term from 1997 to 2000, has announced he will not seek another term.