Key takeaways: 

• Longtime incumbent Ghislain Picard is meeting new competitor Serge Simon.
• Ex Kanesetake grand chief Serge Simon is heading for a provincial chief for the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador against incumbent Ghislain Picardi.

First Nations leaders vote: 

First Nations in Quebec and Labrador could shortly have a recent provincial spokesperson. The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) elections for provincial chief on Tuesday. 

Two contenders are in the running. Serge Simon, the ex-grand chief of the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake, is expecting to grab the post from incumbent Ghislain Picard.

“I comprehend the chiefs at the table more because I know what they go through daily; I know the objections, the scars that they have. I have the same ones,” Simon stated. Source – cbc.ca

Picard, an Innu from the neighborhood of Pessamit, Que., has had the crown since 1992. He ran unopposed for six out of his ten times in office.

Also read: Canada intends technological fixes to create traveling the border quickly

“The election and the process directing to it has come to one question,” stated Picard. “Does the AFNQL stay with the voice that it has, or does it change it?” Source – cbc.ca

Picard stated he feels sure about this election, and he thinks the Chiefs are pleased with his performance and the direction in which the assembly is running.

If he is re-elected, Picard stated that one of his priorities would be to support First Nations leaders in Quebec and Labrador in their exertions to heal from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We ought to deliver as best support as we can to make certain that they will adapt and adjust and transition positively as we hopefully get out of this position,” he stated. Source – cbc.ca