Fiddler elected as NAN grand chief on first ballotNORTHWEST

Alvin Fiddler is the new Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

The former deputy grand chief was elected with 30 votes in the first round of elections in Aroland First Nation Wednesday morning.

In his position as deputy grand chief, Muskrat Dam First Nation-born Fiddler handled Health and Justice portfolios as well as Women and Youth Development. He's best known for his work contributing to the Ipperwash, Goudge and Goodwin & Wesley inquiries.

He also played a pivotal role in the advocacy that led to both the Iacobucci Review and the inquest into the deaths of seven NAN youth who died while attending high school in Thunder Bay.

"It's pretty overwhelming the level of support from the leadership and from our communities. I think it's a pretty strong mandate," Fiddler said.

He wants to work with chiefs to address issues at a community level whether it's housing, clean drinking water, health care or education.

NAN needs to respond to those issues on a regional and national level if needed.

"These are the issues that our chiefs deal with on a daily basis," he said.

Fiddler said he wants to use his experience and relationships with communities along with political and industrial leaders.

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Alvin Fiddler says it was a humbling experience to be elected grand chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) on Wednesday with the "overwhelming support" from chiefs and a "strong mandate" for his plans to restructure the organization.

Fiddler garnered 30 votes, while incumbent Harvey Yesno received 12. The other candidate, Les Louttit, received two votes, according to the unofficial results. Only the leaders of the 49 member First Nations, or their proxies, are allowed to vote for the NAN grand chief.

Fiddler chalks up the strong show of support to his plan to "realign" the organization to prioritize community concerns.

"There's a disconnect between NAN and the communities we serve," he said. "Adequate housing, clean drinking water, access to quality education and health-care and community safety — these are the issues chiefs struggle with every day."

The Muskrat Dam First Nation member served several terms as a deputy grand chief with the Nishnawbe Aski Nation and said he didn't take his run for grand chief lightly.

During the past year, Fiddler said chiefs and elders approached him, asking him to run.

"When you're asked, it's something you cannot just dismiss," he said. "You have to give it serious consideration."

Fiddler said he consulted with his family and his community before concluding he would attempt to take on "the responsibility that comes with the call."

Three deputy grand chiefs were also elected yesterday following the election of the grand chief. They are Anna Betty Achneepineskum, Derek Fox and Terry Waboose.

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation represents 49 First Nations in the Treaty 9 and Treaty 5 areas of northern Ontario, with an overall population estimated around 45,000 people. It's headquarters are in Thunder Bay

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/alvin-fiddler-answers-the-call-wins-nishnawbe-aski-nation-election-1.3188924