(Halifax) The acting head of the largest First Nations rights organization says a vote to oust the former national chief “was not taken lightly”.
New Brunswick regional chief Joanna Bernard, who is temporarily assuming the role, addressed the Assembly of First Nations at its annual gathering in Halifax for the first time since the dramatic departure of RoseAnne Archibald.
Mme Archibald, the first woman elected to lead the assembly in 2021, was ousted at a recent special assembly of chiefs held to respond to the findings of an investigation into complaints by five staff members against her conduct.
In a statement released ahead of the rally, she said she would attend the first day virtually but could travel to Halifax for the rest of the meeting which will continue until Thursday.
PHOTO DARREN CALABRESE, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Joanna Bernard
Mme Bernard told Chiefs in her speech Tuesday that RoseAnne Archibald’s stepping down puts the organization in a period of transition, but she recalled she had overcome many challenges before.
As interim leader, she is committed to maintaining stability. As the chiefs prepare to elect a new permanent chief, Mme Bernard says she hopes to see “strong women leaders” come forward, but she stressed that First Nations should select a candidate committed to unity, regardless of gender.
The human resources investigation concluded that some of Ms.me Archibald constituted harassment and also concluded that she violated organization policy by retaliating against complainants and breaching confidentiality.
RoseAnne Archibald has alleged she was targeted for fighting corruption and demanding a financial audit. She called on the chiefs and her supporters to urge the organization to reinstate her.
“Normally the transition of power between national leaders is peaceful,” she said in her statement, shared on Twitter, ahead of the Halifax rally.
“However, the manner in which Joanna Bernard was appointed by her fellow Regional Chiefs to the interim post is tainted by a conflict of interest and a violent political coup against me as the first duly elected female National Chief. »
Chiefs meet to discuss issues ranging from First Nations policing to self-government legislation for Métis communities.
The election of a new national leader and the appointment of a Chief Electoral Officer are on the agenda, along with speeches from federal ministers.