UNBC Associate Professor of First Nations Studies Dr. Daniel Sims

By Tommy Osborne

Indigenous Politics

New AFN national chief elected, Prince George reacts

Dec 8, 2023 | 4:25 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) elected its new national chief Cindy Woodhouse on Thursday, marking the end of a rocky election cycle. Dr. Daniel Sims, an Associate Professor of First Nations Studies at the UNBC, explains the road to becoming the new national chief was not a smooth one.

“It was a contentious vote. I know that the other candidate who was leading in the polls decided to withdraw from the actual election, and that’s where we got the national chief now being named. There’s also concerns that were raised or questions that were raised regarding the fact that she played a role in removing the previous national chief (Roseanne Archibald), who was accused of bullying and harassment. But she did also acknowledge Roseanne Archibald in her victory speech and talked about how Roseanne had opened the way for there to be a female national chief in the Assembly of First Nation,” Sims said.

Representing more than 600 first nations communities across the country, the National Chief is a role of great importance and significance. Comparable to the Prime Minister or a head of the United Nations, the National Chief has many responsibilities, with the primary one being to improve the lives of all First Nations communities. Dr. Sims believes there could be some challenges ahead due to the contentious nature of the election, and he hopes to see National Chief Woodhouse focus on unity and creating an environment where everyone feels heard, among other big priorities like Bill C-53.

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“This is a bill that would recognize Metis Nation Alberta, Metis Nation Saskatchewan, Metis nation of Ontario as Indigenous governments, potentially lead to a modern treaty with them. And one of the big issues that has existed is various First Nations being opposed to the bill. There’s reasons why they’re opposed to the bill, I certainly understand that, but I think if the bill goes forward or if the bill is defeated, I think one of the challenges is building those relationships or mending those relationships that people feel like they’ve been mistreated, ” Sims said.

CNC instructor of political sciences Chris Beach explained the National Chief is expected to resolve a wide variety of issues, including resource management, archeological digs taking over jurisdiction in traditional territory, truth and reconciliation, and more.

“Their overall mission is to correct past and current injustices and to get their fair share and more control over land and resource development. The AFN advocates for a lot of different things on most communities from British Columbia right to the Maritimes,” Beach said.

Hailing from Manitoba, Cindy Woodhouse has been elected for a three year term.