Fontaine challenged for AMC leadership

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There will be two men vying for the top spot of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs in an election slated for Sept. 14.

When nominations closed for the position of Grand Chief Sept. 2 two candidates were declared. Incumbent Philip Fontaine will face contender Roderick Bushie in a bid to lead the 60 member chiefs of the organization.

Bushie is the former chief of Hollow Water First Nation, a position he has held for several terms. He also served as chair-person of the Southeast Resource Development Council Corporation.

Fontaine, of the Sagkeeng First Nation, has held the position of AMC Grand Chief since 1989. He ran for leader of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs in 1991 and lost to current leader Ovide Mercredi.

Fontaine declined to run in July's AFN election, saying he wanted to devote his energies to the AMC and work towards the dismantling of Indian Affairs in Manitoba.

The election will take place at the Annual General Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs at the International Inn in Winnipeg. A candidates' forum will be held Sept. 13.