Old guard packing; new blood for executive

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Several new members of the AFN executive were attending their first assembly as national office holders. Newly elected Alberta Vice-Chief Jason Goodstriker addressed the assembly, but steered clear of controversy. The new Manitoba Vice-Chief, Francis Flett, stated his opposition to C-19. Yukon Vice-Chief Rick O'Brien attended the annual assembly in Edmonton in July immediately after winning the northern job. He sat at the executive table for the first time in Squamish. Another vice-chief was attending one of his last assemblies in that capacity. B.C.'s Herb George announced in early October that he will not seek another term and will step down as of Dec. 31.

One vice-chief's presence at the head table was the source of some controversy. Bill Erasmus did not run for another term as Dene Nation chief, a position that has also carried with it the Northwest Territories vice-chief's position. He is waiting for a Dene Nation meeting to either confirm or relieve him of his vice-chief's duties. The new Dene Nation leader, Noeline Villebrun, wrote to the national chief before the assembly.

"We are very disappointed in your decision to continue to support Mr. Erasmus as regional vice-chief of the N.W.T. after you have been informed repeatedly of the change in leadership. We would like to hear from you regarding this matter. It is urgent that you reply or we will have no choice but to bring this to the attention [of] the people of the Yukon and Northwest Territories as a total disregard for our rights and disrespect to our people," she wrote. Lawrence Joseph, a vice-chief with Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), attended as the Saskatchewan spokesman in place of Perry Bellegarde who was campaigning for re-election as FSIN grand chief. Bellegarde was defeated by Alphonse Bird for the FSIN position on Oct. 16.