‘Progress doesn’t mean parity,’ Perry Bellegarde says as he works to improve conditions for First Nations people, particularly by influencing the federal budget – Toronto Star
As the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Perry Bellegarde has spent the past six years navigating the often fractious relationships between Indigenous communities and politicians, corporations and band leaders themselves. After two terms, the former chief of Little Black Bear Nation in Saskatchewan will step down from the national post in July. Given his friendly relations with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, some wonder if another public office may be in his future. Governor General Bellegarde? We spoke in early March.
Why are you not running for a third term as AFN leader?
I’ve been in First Nations politics for over 30 years. By not running for national chief, I can devote the four months I have in my term to getting legislation passed, especially Bill C-15, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It’s been introduced for a second reading but I want to hear the words “royal assent.” Influencing the federal budget is also important.
