Aamjiwnaang First Nation Chief Chris Plain will now also represent the Anishinabek Nation as deputy grand council chief following a traditional stand-up election held in Sudbury on Wednesday.
Plain was elected in a 21-16 stand-up vote involving fellow candidate Melvin Hardy.
"I look forward to being more involved and visiting all of your territories," said Plain. "We're all just one nation, we're not regions, so I'll be there to support you. When you have concerns or issues, and whether you have celebrations... I want to come and celebrate because it's not all about the hard work, we need to celebrate the good work we do as well."
Plain previously held the interim southwest regional deputy grand council chief position as there were four regional deputy grand council chiefs. However, there will now only be one deputy grand council chief moving forward.
"I come from the southwest region, but I really come from Anishinabek Nation. I don’t believe in regions, I don’t believe in biases," Plain said. "I believe in the position that you're there to respect, and protect, and work for all the First Nations equally."
The Anishinabek Nation Chiefs-in-Assembly also elected Linda Debassige as the grand council chief for the 2024-2027 term.
This historic vote marks the first-ever Anishinaabekwe grand council chief for the Anishinabek Nation.
"I look forward to following in the footsteps of all the great leaders who have served the Anishinabek Nation before me, and letting the experience of our ancestors continue to guide me in my work every day,” said Grand Council Chief Debassige. “It’s time for us to rise up, and rise together. I look forward to rising up with Anishinabek Nation leadership and E’Dbendaagzijig. I am incredibly grateful and humbled to be here today.”
Debassige and Plain will be supported by the four regional chiefs: Joe Miskokomon of the southwest region, Marsha Smoke of the southeast region, Mel Hardy of Northern Superior, and Scott McLeod of Lake Huron.
The Anishinabek Nation is a political advocate for 39 member First Nations across Ontario and represents approximately 65,000 citizens.