Garrison Settee has been elected to a third-consecutive term as grand chief of the northern First Nations advocacy group Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak.
Settee, of Pimicikamak Cree Nation, was re-elected at MKO’s 43rd annual general assembly Wednesday afternoon.
“The passion that I have has not diminished because of the advocacy that needs to be done for our people,” he said before the results were announced.
JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES
Garrison Settee has been elected to a third-consecutive term as the grand chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak.
“Indigenous communities are still in dire need of all kinds of support systems to be able to thrive as communities and that is something that I can not stop advocating (for), cannot stop being that voice for our people.”
Health care is a main focus for Settee, who says progress in improving the system has been slow, especially for northern communities.
He said he would like to see easier access to medical equipment and treatment options such as dialysis for people living in First Nations.
Indigenous populations are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, fuelled by colonization’s influence on health, according to information from Diabetes Canada.
“Our people are dying,” Settee said. “Health is the most critical issue that we face.”
Settee received 82 votes. Chris G. Baker of O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation received 25. There were no other candidates.
Baker ran with hopes of unifying the First Nations across the province.
“I think what we need to do is to unite and to invest in ourselves, in our communities, so that we can truly have an opportunity… to be self-determined,” Baker said.
Many Indigenous communities deal with similar issues, including health care and justice, said Fox Lake Cree Nation chief Morris Beardy.
Beardy said he hopes to see Settee tackle those challenges and to make sure treaties are upheld into the future.
”I am pleased to congratulate Grand Chief Settee on his re-election,” said Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Cathy Merrick in a release.
“I know that together, with the strong mandates from the chiefs we represent, we will champion change for northern First Nations. Our collective efforts will be key in driving meaningful progress and fostering positive transformation across the region.”
All MKO member First Nation chiefs and councillors were eligible to vote.
The MKO is a non-profit political advocacy organization made up of 26 First Nations.
Settee was previously elected to serve three-year terms in August 2018 and August 2021.
jura.mcilraith@freepress.mb.ca