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UPDATE: Archibald Becomes AFN National Chief

Jason Wellwood July 8, 2021 6:55 pm Last Updated on July 2, 2025 6:52 am

RoseAnne Archibald makes history with the Assembly of First Nations.

The former Deputy Chief of the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation will be the first woman to serve as national chief after Reginald Bellerose of Saskatchewan conceded Thursday night.

Archibald collected 205 votes (50.5%) while Bellerose finished the fifth round with 144 votes (35.5%).

Candidate Reginald Bellerose has withdrawn. Congratulations to newly elected AFN National Chief RoseAnne Archibald. Watch LIVE: https://t.co/hh2mczqsEP #AFNElection #AFNAGA #BuildingOurFuture

— AFN (@AFN_Updates) July 8, 2021

The chief represents 634 First Nations and more than 900,000 members.

Jason Wellwood

Originally from southern Ontario, Jason found his way here and fell in love with the community and music scene of Thunder Bay over twenty years ago. In between various stints on radio, television and writing, Jason is a dad, a partner and (some would consider) a zoo keeper (seriously, he has a LOT of pets).

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