Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs announces 4 candidates to run for leadership

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has announced four candidates who are hoping to become the next leader for the organization that represents 63 First Nations across the province. 

Former York Factory First Nation Chief Leroy Constant, Sapotaweyak Cree Nation band councillor Bava Dhillon, former Peguis First Nation chief Glenn Hudson and former Long Plain First Nation chief Kyra Wilson are the candidates competing in the upcoming byelection. 

The leadership position will replace the former AMC Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, who died suddenly in September. Chief Betsy Kennedy, a leader from War Lake First Nation, was appointed Acting Grand Chief later that month.

The deadline for nominations closed Saturday at 4 p.m. and a vote will take place on Jan. 29, the second day of the assembly's three-day convention at the Canad Inns Destination Centre Polo Park in Winnipeg. 

Wilson said the role of Grand Chief represents a "strong political voice" for their leadership and communities that helps unite their efforts to make positive change through collaboration. She was grateful to work alongside Merrick in the fight to search the Prairie Green landfill for two murdered Indigenous women who are believed to be buried at the site. 

Merrick made history more than two years ago by becoming the first woman to lead the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs in its 35-year history. She secured another term during the advocacy group's annual general assembly in June.

Wilson said she will always remember the strength, resilience, kindness, humility and power Merrick carried and she hopes to continue the work the former grand chief started if she's elected. 

"I am the best candidate because I'm motivated to do this work … I have focused and worked hard to understand the various issues that we deal with in our First Nations communities," she said Sunday. 

Wilson said her previous experience as the former chief of Long Plain First Nation will push her to ask hard questions. 

"At the end of the day, we're all looking for the same thing, and that's for our treaties and our rights as First Nations people to be honoured," she said. 

"Even though these discussions are happening around our tables as First Nations people, they're not happening enough at the tables within, you know, the different levels of government."

Hudson said he's gained a lot of knowledge around treaty land entitlement, gaming and education in addition to his negotiation and leadership abilities.  

"I believe in [the]sovereignty of our nation … A lot of times we are at the mercy of the federal and provincial government in terms of programs and services and we need to take control of that in terms of repatriating ourselves."

Hudson said his candidacy will focus on upholding land and treaty rights and look into securing energy like natural gas and hydro development for their communities. 

"I think my history shows that I do have a lot of knowledge and successes you know, in areas that we have pursued at Peguis and I am very proud of that history," he said. 

"Moving forward, you know, I certainly want to unite our leadership, unite our communities and ensure success going forward in the various areas."

CBC has reached out to Constant and Dhillon for an interview and hasn't yet received a response.

The candidates must be a citizen of a member First Nation, be 18 years or older, have lived in the province for at least three months prior to when the byelection notice was issued and have seven signatures, including five endorsements from a First Nations chief on their nomination form.