This release was issued under a previous government.

“On behalf of the Government of Alberta, I offer my sincere congratulations to Perry Bellegarde, the newly-elected National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

“I have known National Chief Bellegarde for many years and his leadership comes at a pivotal time for the Assembly of First Nations. As a person who is committed to building community consensus, I know he will help galvanize the voice of First Nations people across Canada.

“First Nations people have an important role to play in Canada’s future and I am confident that the election of National Chief Bellegarde signals a time of renewal and strengthened relationships between First Nations governments and other jurisdictions.

“The Assembly of First Nations is a strong national leader and I look forward to working with the new National Chief on issues of mutual interest.”