Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the election of Shawn Atleo as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations:
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I want to congratulate Shawn Atleo on his election as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
“My government looks forward to working with the new National Chief and the Assembly's leadership to tackle the challenges that face First Nations peoples and communities.
“It is more important than ever that government and First Nations leadership work together to identify solutions and produce real, practical and tangible results for Aboriginal peoples. Only through meaningful dialogue, shared responsibilities and continued good faith can we succeed.
“Already, we have moved forward on multiple fronts, including economic development, education, land claims and the extension of human rights protection to First Nations men, women and children. We also helped address a long-standing concern for our First Nations peoples when I stood in the House of Commons and issued an apology on behalf of the Government of Canada to former Indian Residential School students. The apology allowed a new chapter to begin - one filled with renewed hope, faith and mutual respect.
“I want to thank Phil Fontaine for his leadership and his dedication to the First Nations of this country for so many years. I wish Mr. Fontaine all the best in his future endeavors.”
