(February 26, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak issued the following statement on the election of the new Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) Regional Chief Francis Verreault Paul and the departure of outgoing AFNQL Regional Chief Ghislain Picard:
“On behalf of the AFN Executive Committee, we congratulate Francis Verreault Paul on his election as AFNQL Regional Chief,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “His experience, including his time as AFNQL’s Chief of Staff, and his dedication to First Nations in Quebec and Labrador, will serve him well in this role. I look forward to his contributions at the AFN Executive Committee and to working with him to support First Nations in the region and advance our shared priorities at the national level.”
“I also want to recognize the work of outgoing Regional Chief Ghislain Picard, who has advocated on behalf of First Nations in Quebec and Labrador for more than 30 years. Since 1992, he has led at the regional, national, and international levels, holding governments accountable and pushing for action on issues that matter to First Nations. He was instrumental to the 2016 Val d’Or Public Inquiry into Quebec’s mistreatment of Indigenous Peoples through its public services, especially through discriminatory policing practices. His pursuit of police reform and equitable First Nations policing has been a key part of his portfolio during his tenure as Regional Chief. He has played a key role in major negotiations, including land rights, self-determination, and the protection and revitalization of First Nations languages He has been a strong voice on the international stage as well, advocating for First Nations at the United Nations and other forums.
Regional Chief Picard stepped into national leadership when needed, including serving as interim National Chief, and has consistently spoken out against racism and systemic discrimination. His work has made a difference, and I acknowledge and thank him for his years of commitment to First Nations in Quebec and Labrador, and across Canada,” concluded National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak.
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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.
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