(September 20, 2024 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – Today, AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak extends warm birthday wishes to former National Chief Phil Fontaine as he celebrates his 80th birthday.
“Today we celebrate not just an 80th birthday, but also a lifetime of dedicated service and advocacy for First Nations peoples,” she said. “Former National Chief Fontaine’s leadership has significantly influenced our Nations and this country. His efforts, particularly the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement and securing the Pope’s Apology on behalf of the Catholic Church for its role in the residential school system, have brought justice and healing to Survivors and significantly advanced the dialogue on Indigenous rights.”
Phil Fontaine, a member of Sagkeeng First Nation, served three terms as National Chief of the AFN. His accomplishments include negotiation of the Kelowna Accord in 2005, a “rights-based agenda” with the Canadian government that aimed to improve the lives and rights of First Nations peoples across the country. He also played a key role in the negotiation of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, which led to compensation for former students, the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the foundation for the Prime Minister of Canada’s apology to former students. One of his most historic achievements was securing the Pope’s Apology on behalf of the Catholic Church for its role in the residential school system in 2022.
Early in his career as Chief of Sagkeeng First Nation in 1973, he established the first First Nations-controlled education system and alcohol treatment center in Canada, along with a locally managed Child and Family Services agency. He continued to influence and advance First Nations rights through key roles as Manitoba Regional Chief for the AFN during the 1980s, where he was instrumental in opposing the Meech Lake Accord, as Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs in 1991, and later as National Chief of the AFN in 1997.
“Former National Chief Fontaine’s has a longstanding history of advocating for First Nations’ interests and the recognition of Inherent and Treaty rights, and his ongoing work continues to inspire and educate. His advocacy for First Nations rights remains influential,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “Today, we wish him a happy birthday and thank him for his commitment to First Nations across Turtle Island.”
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
For more information, please contact:
Jamie Monastyrski
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(613) 612-7229 (mobile)
[email protected]
Genna Benson
Director, Communications
Assembly of First Nations
604-340-3117 (mobile)
[email protected]