Following a traditional stand-up election in Fort William First Nation, former Manitoulin Island chief, Glen Hare has been elected as the new Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief.
Hare squared off against Chief Shining Turtle from Whitefish River First Nation on Wednesday, and won the election with 30 votes to Shining Turtle’s 10.
Outgoing chief Patrick Madahbee, who also hails from Manitoulin Island, is planning an active retirement.
Hare says he is looking to make some changes in the near future.
“Let’s start with synchronized elections as the previous Grand Chief has pushed for – I support that,” noted Grand Council Chief Hare during his speech to the Chiefs. “Let’s get away from this two-year, three-year all over the place, all over the map. Let’s work that out. We’ll be so much stronger.
We have elections in this province and we have to stand together whichever way it goes. I will travel night and day for you Chiefs, for your communities and your citizens.”
Hare recently completed his fourth term as the Anishinabek Nation Deputy Grand Council Chief. He brings a wealth of political knowledge and experience having been involved in Anishinaabe politics for 33 years.
“I want to make all of you Chiefs proud, this is my 18th election,” says Grand Council Chief Hare, as he refers to participating in 18 elections throughout his political career. “I will honour the direction that you take, your community.”
Hare hails from M’Chigeeng First Nation.
Still with the story, in previous terms, there has been one Deputy Grand Council Chief. However, in this election and moving forward, there will be four Regional Deputy Grand Council Chiefs.
The newly elected Regional Deputy Grand Council Chiefs are:
Northern Superior Region – Chief Edward Wawia, Red Rock Indian Band
Southwest Region – Joe Miskokomon (acclaimed), Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
Southeast Region – Chief Jim Bob Marsden (acclaimed), Alderville First Nation
Lake Huron – Chief Scott McLeod (interim), Nipissing First Nation
The Anishinabek Nation is the political advocate for 40 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 60,000 people. The Anishinabek Nation is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.
