Alvin Fiddler is the new Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
The former deputy grand chief was elected with 30 votes in the first round of elections in Aroland First Nation Wednesday morning.
In his position as deputy grand chief, Muskrat Dam First Nation-born Fiddler handled Health and Justice portfolios as well as Women and Youth Development. He's best known for his work contributing to the Ipperwash, Goudge and Goodwin & Wesley inquiries.
He also played a pivotal role in the advocacy that led to both the Iacobucci Review and the inquest into the deaths of seven NAN youth who died while attending high school in Thunder Bay.
"It's pretty overwhelming the level of support from the leadership and from our communities. I think it's a pretty strong mandate," Fiddler said.
He wants to work with chiefs to address issues at a community level whether it's housing, clean drinking water, health care or education.
NAN needs to respond to those issues on a regional and national level if needed.
"These are the issues that our chiefs deal with on a daily basis," he said.
Fiddler said he wants to use his experience and relationships with communities along with political and industrial leaders.
