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Stan Beardy has thrown his hat into the race for Ontario’s Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations.

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief announced his candidacy at a media conference at the Victoria Inn on Sunday.  Beardy, who has served as Grand Chief for 12 years and Chief of Muskrat Dam for more than 10 years, hopes to take the regional position from incumbent Angus Toulouse.

Beardy said it was time for a new chapter in his life to open so he decided to try his hand in the race. He said he wouldn’t be stepping as Grand Chief while running his campaign.

“I feel I have the experience and the expertise to understand what is required to move First Nation people in Ontario to another level,” Beardy said. “My main goal would be economic participation. When I look at the budgets at both levels of government there was very little from First Nation people. That tells me we need a different approach to maintain sustainability for my people.”

Beardy said a candidate should be deeply rooted in their culture. He highlighted that he can speak his own language, practices his culture and is from the north but can still function in an urban centre.

Going up against Toulouse, who has been an elected member of the Assembly of First Nations since 2005, Beardy remained confident that his record as Chief and Grand Chief would mean the difference between the two and would show just how much he has accomplished in his time.

“NAN was in the media 45 times last year,” he said. “I think being in the news you have to create attention. I believe that the things that I am doing as a Chief and Grand Chief is a positive step for all of us.”

With everyone turning their eyes to Northern Ontario for economic development, Beardy said he’s in a good position to help with negotiations so all parties can benefit.

The elections will be held at the end of June in Toronto.