Posted by Nathan (198.103.249.251) on August 17, 2001 at 09:53:51:
In Reply to: One General Grassroots Election for National Chief posted by Nathan on August 16, 2001 at 14:15:10:
: Currently though, some canidates for National Chief are not usually voted for regionaly as here in Manitoba for example, former National Chief Fontaine never really had much support from his fellow Chiefs in Manitoba. (which he may think differenly) Thier was alot of talk of the local Chiefs who thought he should be doing a better job and in turn supported Mr. Coon Come. As for financial support for the canidates, yeah thier could be privately funded campaignes which could turn out to be very unfair, but thier can be rules and procedures put in place by the AFN (with input from grasss roots people and Chiefs)to regulate that type of activity not to mention some finacial support and screening processes for canidates. These ideas are just minor details that can be worked ironed out later. I believe the current national Chief would certainly have his work cut out for him to try and convince the Chiefs, but he has to be more persistant. I read a few articles and his comments on this issue, if he feels he wants more grass roots involvement he has to push the issue! Thier shouldn't be any more excuses not to. Yes thier is the whole goverance act issue happening, but that's no excuse, this isn't the first time us First Nation's people faced this type of assimulative pressure. This is why he is National Chief, to deal with the issues and listen to the the people not just the Chiefs!