First Nations Summit congratulates Cindy Woodhouse on her election as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations

December 7, 2023

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) – The First Nations Summit (FNS) Executive congratulates Cindy Woodhouse on her election to the position of National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. Ms. Woodhouse is only the second woman to be elected to the role of AFN National Chief since the AFN was established in 1982.

First Nations leadership from across Canada participated this week in the hybrid Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly and the election for National Chief. Ms. Woodhouse was elected to her first term as National Chief after six ballots and subsequent concession by second place candidate, David Pratt. Ms. Woodhouse brings valuable experience to the position of National Chief from her many roles including Regional Chief of Manitoba.

The FNS looks forward to a positive working relationship with National Chief Woodhouse. In particular, we look forward to working with her on the recognition and implementation of First Nations’ Title, Rights and Treaty Rights; ongoing treaty negotiations in BC; implementation of the federal United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action; obtaining the necessary supports for communities dealing with the confirmation of unmarked burials at former Indian Residential School (IRS) sites; the climate emergency, MMIWG issues; bringing unity to the AFN and improving the overall economic and social conditions in our communities.