OTTAWA—Two Manitoulin chiefs said it was a decision that had to be made, but both expressed disappointment and sadness that the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) felt the need to vote in favour of a resolution to remove RoseAnne Archibald’s title as national chief of AFN.
“I moved the resolution (to oust the National Chief from her duties),” said Irene Kells, chief of Zhiibaahaasing First Nation. The resolution was seconded by chief Kyra Wilson of Long Plains First Nation. “But it was done with a heavy heart. I had voted for (Ms. Archibald) as national chief because of her morals and her way of looking at things, but something turned there. We as the chiefs were kept in the dark for quite a while on a lot of things on what was actually happening.”
“It is disappointing and unbelievable that this had to happen,” said Chief Kells. “But we have to look after ourselves (as AFN) and look after everyone in our communities.”
The AFN convened a Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) on June 28 to fulfill the mandate of AFN Resolution 03/2022, which called for an investigation and audit of AFN’s financial and management polices. The purpose of the assembly was to report on the findings of a human resources investigation to the First Nations-in-Assembly and address the implications of the investigation involving the AFN national chief and AFN staff.
Moved by Chief Kells and seconded by Chief Wilson, the First Nations-in-Assembly passed Resolution 01, AFN Article 22, Charger Procedures, which removed Ms. Archibald from the board of the AFN and as national chief.
“The decision was based on evidence and factual information,” stated Patsy Corbiere, chief of Aundeck Omni Kaning (AOK) First Nation and chair of the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising Tribal Council. “Everyone in attendance at the vote had the opportunity to talk and give their side of things. All of our chiefs had the opportunity to be on the Zoom call if they didn’t attend in person.” She pointed out 71 percent of the chiefs voted in favour of the resolution to oust the national chief.
This resolution comes as the result of a human resources investigation into complaints against the national chief, as well as Resolution No.03/2022, passed by the First Nations-in-Assembly in Vancouver at the July 2022 annual general assembly.
“After review of the investigation summary report and hearing from National Chief RoseAnne Archibald, First Nations-in-Assembly accepted the report and directed the removal of RoseAnne Archibald from the position of national chief,” stated AFN Nova Scotia Regional Chief Paul Prosper. “This decision was made due to her violation of the whistleblower policy and breach of the executive committee’s code of conduct. As a result, the position of national chief will remain vacant until an interim national chief is selected from the executive committee. As directed by First Nations-in-Assembly an election will be scheduled for the December 2023 SCA.”
“The chiefs and proxies in assembly have voted on this resolution with 163 in favour, 62 opposed and six abstaining,” added AFN Nova Scotia Regional Chief Prosper. “We will adhere to the directives outlined in the resolution based on the decisions made today by the First Nations in-Assembly and in accordance with the resolution’s terms. We look forward to getting back to the important work of advancing First Nations priorities and acting on behalf of the best interest of our communities. We extend our best wishes to RoseAnne Archibald in her future endeavours.”
As has been reported previously, Ms. Archibald was the first woman to hold the position of national chief. However, concerns had been swirling around her since being elected in 2021. At the time of her election, she was already facing an investigation into allegations of harassment and bullying from her time as Ontario regional chief. She said then the problem, which has since been resolved, was due to her vocal allegations that women and LGBTQ2 members of the organization were facing harassment and bullying.
In June 2022, AFN’s executive and national board of directors suspended Chief Archibald, blocking her phone and email access while a human resources investigation into four workplace harassment complaints against her were initiated.
At the AFN convention in Vancouver, held a month later, chiefs voted down an emergency resolution to affirm her suspension. National Chief Archibald expressed her gratitude, alleging she was unjustly suspended because she had been trying to investigate corruption within the assembly.
National Chief Archibald claimed the employees had demanded more than $1 million in payouts, which she refused to provide. Prior to her suspension, she had publicly alleged corruption was rife within the AFN, describing various financial irregularities, backroom deals and efforts to silence her from disclosure of them.
The general assembly subsequently approved a motion that called for a financial review of the AFN, including how contracts are awarded within the organization as well as conflict of interest concerns, and would make recommendations aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability.
“It is sad,” stated Chief Kells. “She has a lot of knowledge and spirit, but something went wrong. And we had to do something to continue on. With this issue out there, it is like we were locked, stuck and this was the only way to deal with it. The picture was not going to get better until we took this latest step and are able to open a new page, which is what we are now doing.”
