Fontaine opts out of leadership race

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The lure of the national stage is not enough to woo Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs' Phil Fontaine into the race for top spot at the Assembly of First Nations. Instead, Fontaine has chosen to seek another term as Grand Chief of the AMC and work toward the dismantling of Indian Affairs in Manitoba.

Fontaine's announcement came May 27, just days before the nomination deadline for the AFN election. Although many considered Fontaine as the prime candidate to usurp incumbent Ovide Mercredi as national chief, Fontaine said he considered the self-government challenge was a greater opportunity for improving the social and economic conditions of First Nations people.

"I am staying home in Manitoba. We are working on a process here that will be a true grassroots movement. The movement to dismantle Indian Affairs is based on the spirit and intent of the treaties. This movement is based on the inherent right to self-determination and self-government."

Self-government, as determined by First Nations communities, will be more effective in reducing the youth suicide rate, establishing a Native justice system, and "in controlling our own lives" than another decade of constitutional negotiations, said Fontaine in a thinly-veiled jab at fellow Manitoban Mercredi. The current AFN chief has opposed regional self-government deals in favor of constitutional entrenchment of Native self-determination.

Fontaine did not comment on who he would endorse in the leadership race, leaving the 60 chiefs of the First Nations he represents without an official AMC candidate - at least for the time being. The election for National Chief will be held July 6 in Saskatoon.