Ontario Chiefs elect new Regional Chief during Eagle Lake gathering
EAGLE LAKE FIRST NATION (June 14, 2005) - In a traditional election ceremony, representatives of all First Nations across Ontario elected a new Ontario Regional Chief today. Angus Toulouse, of Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation was chosen in a traditional standing vote, succeeding Charles Fox who is stepping down after five years.
“This process has invigorated the resolve of the Ontario First Nations leadership. Today marks a new day - of unity and a renewed focus on our rights based-agenda,” said Ontario Regional Chief Toulouse. “I am humbled by this honour bestowed upon me by the Chiefs and I will be unrelenting in my approach to carrying out this mandate.”
“We will continue what the Chiefs of Ontario have started in fostering a new and cooperative relationship with both the federal and provincial governments,” said Regional Chief Toulouse. “I have pledged to move forward on issues such as housing, healing and wellness, forestry and obtaining a greater share in the resources of our treaty territories.
Outgoing Regional Chief Fox provided words of congratulations to the new Ontario Regional Chief.
“I have every confidence that the Chiefs of Ontario have selected a leader who will unite our Nations and fulfill the mandate entrusted to him,” stated outgoing Regional Chief Charles Fox. “This is an historic time for our Peoples, the federal and provincial governments have signalled their commitment to re-establishing meaningful working relationships. Our leadership are prepared to engage these governments, on a government to government basis, and Angus has the leadership skills to facilitate these processes.”
Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse has been Chief of the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, located near Massey, Ontario for the past eleven years. He has also served six years as a band councillor in his community. In addition to his duties as Chief, Toulouse is also the Lake Huron Region Grand Chief for the Union of Ontario Indians and has served as Chairman of the North Shore Tribal Council. He is a strong advocate for a rights-based agenda, including a focus on advocating for treaty and aboriginal rights. He has held a number of portfolios over the years including education and natural resources with a focus on forestry.
Seven candidates were nominated for the position, including runner-up Wally McKay who placed a close second behind Toulouse. Other candidates included: Lorraine Rekmans (Serpent River), Art Petahtegoose (Whitefish Lake), Allan Luby (Dalles) Chris McCormick (Batchewana), Larry Jourdain (Lac la Croix), Eli Mandamin (Shoal Lake #39).
Ontario Regional Toulouse was elected for a four year term, instead of the customary 3-year term as directed by the Chiefs in Assembly.
The Chiefs of Ontario is the coordinating body for all 134 First Nations across Ontario. The Ontario Regional Chief is also the chair of the Ontario Political Confederacy and is Ontario First Nations representative on the Assembly of First Nations (AFN).