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Canada
Assembly of First Nations chief faces challenger


Two candidates are running for national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Canada's largest inter-tribal organization.

Incumbent Phil Fontaine is seeking his third term. He was first elected in 1997, defeated in 2000 and elected again in 2003. One of his biggest accomplishments has been the $2 billion settlement for residential school abuse victims.

Bill Wilson, a former vice chief of AFN from British Columbia, is the sole challenger. He wants AFN to pay more attention to conditions affecting Native people who live on reserves. He is calling for the elimination of the federal Indian Affairs Department.

The election takes place during AFN's national convention in Vancouver from July 11-13.

Get the Story:
Treaty negotiator challenges Fontaine for AFN leadership (CBC 6/8)
Former B.C. First Nations leader running for AFN leadership (CBC 6/8)

Relevant Links:
Assembly of First Nations - http://www.afn.ca

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