Behchokǫ̀, NT (October 28, 2013) – National Chief Atleo visit to Behchokǫ̀.
On Wednesday October 30, 2013, the Tłı̨chǫ Government is pleased to welcome National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo of the Assembly of First Nations to Behchokǫ̀. Chief Atleo will have a full day of activities in our community beginning with a lunch at the Chief Jimmy Bruneau High School in Edzo with Tłı̨chǫ Chiefs. This will be followed by a tour and a stop outside at the cabin/tent for hot bannock/tea and hand games. In the early afternoon, he will address the high school classes on the importance of education.
Later in the afternoon, National Chief Atleo and the Tłı̨chǫ Chiefs will meet to discuss topics such as the Tłı̨chǫ Agreement, DeBeers, MVRMA changes, Intergovernmental Relations, the Tłı̨chǫ Financing Agreement and Own Source Revenue. In the evening, beginning at 5:00pm he will be a guest of honour at a community dinner and hand games in the Cultural Centre in Behchokǫ̀.
National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo is a Hereditary Chief from the Ahousaht First Nation in British Columbia. In July 2012, A-in-chut was elected to a second consecutive three-year mandate as National Chief to the Assembly of First Nations. During his term of office, Chief Atleo has confirmed education as a top priority for the Assembly. Since then, he has been an advocate for First Nations by spending time in every region of the country, with federal, provincial and territorial leaders and with national and international audiences.
Previously, A-in-chut served two terms as Regional Chief of the BC AFN. Committed to the principles of working together through inclusion and respect, he forged the historic Leadership Accord among First Nations leadership in BC in 2005. In 2008, A-in-chut’s commitment to education was recognized in his appointment as Chancellor of Vancouver Island University, becoming BC’s first Indigenous Chancellor. He has been honoured to receive several Honourary Doctorate of Laws degrees from universities throughout Canada. He also received the University of Technology (Sydney) Alumni Award for Excellence 2011 in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. In February, 2012, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his advocacy work on behalf of First Nations across Canada.
A-in-chut began his career as a facilitator, trainer and entrepreneur working with and for First Nations peoples. He holds a Masters of Education degree from the University of Technology, Sydney, Australia (in partnership with University of British Columbia, University of the Western Cape South Africa, and University of Linkoping Sweden).
You are invited to join the Grand Chief Eddie Erasmus, Chief Clifford Daniels, Chief Alfonz Nitsiza, Chief David Wedawin and Chief Johnny Arrowmaker in greeting and welcoming Chief Atleo to our community at Chief Jimmy Bruneau High School in Edzo from 1:00pm – 2:30pm and at 5:00pm – 7:00pm at the community dinner at the Behchokǫ̀ Cultural Centre.
For more information, contact:
Laura Duncan
Tłı̨chǫ Executive Officer
Tłı̨chǫ Ndek’àowo/ Tłı̨chǫ Government
Phone: 867-766 4003 Ext: 1003
