National Chief Perry Bellegarde
For correspondence and invitations, please contact Lianne Ellis, Senior Executive Assistant to the National Chief at [email protected].
For media requests and other communications matters, please contact Kelly Reid, AFN Communications Officer at [email protected] or Jenna Young Castro, AFN Director of Communications, at [email protected].
About
Perry Bellegarde, re-elected National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations in 2018, holds a wealth of leadership experience. He’s spent the past thirty years putting into practice his strong beliefs on the laws and traditions instilled in him by the many Chiefs and Elders he has known over the years. Passionate and unrelenting in creating real, measurable progress on the priorities that matter most to First Nations, National Chief Bellegarde is a strong advocate for honouring and implementing Inherent and Treaty rights, title and jurisdiction.
Originally from Little Black Bear First Nation in Treaty 4 Territory, he has served as Tribal Council Representative for the Touchwood-File Hills-Qu’Appelle Tribal Council, Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and Saskatchewan Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations, as well as Chief and Councillor for the Little Black Bear First Nation. He has experience and expertise in leadership at all levels of First Nations governance. In 2014, the Chiefs-in-Assembly first elected Perry as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. He was re-elected to the position in July 2018.
As Assembly of First Nations National Chief, Perry Bellegarde remains committed to building on the momentum created in his first term. His national platform and agenda, Closing the Gap, remains a top priority and has directly influenced the federal government’s planning and priorities.
National Chief Bellegarde has been recognized numerous times as a First Nations leader. He has been awarded the Confederation Medal, the Saskatchewan Medal, and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal on two separate occasions. This year, the Province of Saskatchewan recognized Perry with the Saskatchewan Order of Merit.
National Chief Bellegarde remains grateful for the strength and vision he has gained from the Elders. He vows to always place great importance on respecting their teachings. Their guidance has made him a man of foresight and a leader for generations.
Achievements
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Negotiating the addition of 250 gaming machines to the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) resulting in a pathway for the long-term financial stability of the FSIN
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Facilitating negotiations between the FSIN and the Province of Saskatchewan that resulted in the 25-year Gaming Agreement
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Leading Little Black Bear (LBB) First Nation out of 3rd party management within 8 months of being elected Chief
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Facilitating LBB’s re-qualification for CMHC housing after a 13-year period of no new housing
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A national multi-million dollar compensation package for First Nations veterans and their spouses
Vision
National Chief Bellegarde’s candidacy for National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations was based on a vision that includes establishing processes for self-determination; recognition of inherent Aboriginal and Treaty rights; the revitalization and retention of indigenous languages; and establishing a new relationship with the Crown – one that removes the long-standing 2% cap on federal funding.
Highlights from the National Chief
National Chief Perry Bellegarde
Today we stand in the shadow of our great leaders who have passed into the spirit world. I vow to you and to them, that I will fight for the teachings that unite us all.
Twitter Feed
Congratulations to Qayqayt First Nation Chief Rhonda Larrabee for her recent designation as an honorary fellow at Douglas College.
Chief Larrabee's dedication to her heritage is inspiring, and her honour is well deserved!
https://www.newwestrecord.ca/local-news/qayqayt-chief-rhonda-larrabee-named-douglas-college-honorary-fellow-3863826
Clarence Wolfleg's story is one of hope, grace, and optimism for the future. He reminds us of where we have been, and guides the path of where we can go.
I lift you up, Mr. Wolfleg, for your honorary degree!
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-you-didnt-get-the-best-of-me-residential-school-survivor-gets-honorary/
Yesterday in the @SenateCA, Senator Mary Jane McCallum was questioned for holding an eagle fan while delivering her remarks.
I understand the spiritual power of an eagle staff, and stand with Senator McCallum for using it to draw strength and healing.