Former Anishinabek Nation Grand Chief Glen Hare has been elected as Ontario Regional Chief during the 47th Annual All Ontario Chiefs Conference.
Hare, who hails from M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island, will assume new roles as a member of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Executive Committee and the Leadership Council for the Chiefs of Ontario, which includes representatives from the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians, Grand Council Treaty #3, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation, Anishinabek Nation and independent First Nations.
The regional chief elect succeeds former Ontario Regional Chief Roseanne Archibald, who is currently in the running to lead the AFN as its national chief.
“I wish to thank everyone for their support. I am looking forward to getting to work immediately in addressing some of the most important priorities to First Nations communities within Ontario and to ensure a path toward shared prosperity that is reflective of all our Nations,” said Hare via news release. “Remember who you work for, and I work for you, the 133 chiefs in Ontario.”
According to the Chiefs of Ontario, the regional chief’s primary role is to advocate for the protection of Ontario First Nations’ inherent and treaty rights, and to address issues impacting First Nations with federal and provincial levels of governments.
Hare will be officially sworn in as the province’s regional chief during a traditional pipe and blanket ceremony in Nipissing First Nation Friday.