Congratulations Shawn
On the eighth ballot in a drama filled election my friend Shawn Atleo won the position of National Cheif of the Assembly of First Nations. He neede 60% of the vote to win and he went several ballots against Perry Bellegarde from Saskatchewan even tying him on one ballot. But in the end he started pulling away and eventually won the vote.
Shawn is an amazing speaker and a very thoughtful leader. He is the first National Vhief to also be a hereditary leader and the first NOT to have gone to residential school. He represents at once a new generation and at the same time a deeply traditional integrity.
Over the years we have worked together especially around trying to understand what “dialogic governance” might look like and supporting youth leadership Jere in BC. It’s good to see him extending his influence.
So congrats to A-in-shut and all the Ahousahts who must be so proud of him, and good luck Shawn playing in the big stage!
Followed this a bit Chris through CBC. Wondered if you knew Shawn. Congrats, yes.
Shawn sponsored an Art of Hosting with our youth here on the west coast that I ran with Toke and Patricia Galaczy a few years ago. His dad’s book is Tsawalk.