Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Chiefs voted 71% Wednesday night in favor of a motion calling for the removal of RoseAnne Archibald in a vote held virtually.
A minimum of 60% support was required for the motion to pass. It was ultimately 163 of the 231 leaders who spoke who disavowed Mr.me Archibald, elected head of the AFN in July 2021. The native of the Cree Nation of Taykwa Tagamou, in Ontario, then became the first woman to lead the Assembly.
The APN’s vote comes after a turbulent year for its ousted leader. Mme Archibald had been suspended from her duties in June 2022 due to a “public statement that breached her obligations” to the AFN. She then claimed to have been suspended for attempting to investigate corruption within the Assembly – her suspension was lifted less than three weeks later.
More recently, an external investigation concluded last May that two AFN employees had suffered harassment and retaliation from Mr.me Archibald.
According to information reported by APTN – the Indigenous Peoples Television Network – the AFN will choose “an interim national leader from among its members”. An election will then take place at the special assembly of chiefs in December.
The AFN represents over 600 First Nations across Canada. Its mandate is to defend the interests of the aboriginal peoples of the country.
With information from APTN and CBC