TAYKWA TAGAMOU TRADITIONAL TERRITORY, Ont. — Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald is pursuing the leadership of the Assembly of First Nations.
Archibald confirmed her intentions just days after announcing she would not seek re-election to the post of Ontario Regional Chief when her term expires next month.
She said "it's time for the right woman to step forward and serve as National Chief, and someone who can truly represent the interests and realities of First Nations from coast to coast to coast."
Archibald said she has experienced gender-based discrimination at the AFN table, but not at the Chiefs of Ontario "even though both spaces are largely composed of male elected leaders."
She added that she is committed to addressing calls for transparency and accountability at the AFN, while also advancing issues related to gender-based lateral violence.
Archibald is the first-ever female Ontario Regional Chief.
She launched her campaign Tuesday in her home community of Taykwa Tagamou Nation.
The election for National Chief will take place on July 7 at the AFN annual general assembly.
Earlier this month, Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler announced his candidacy for the leadership.
Incumbent Perry Bellegarde is not seeking reelection.
