Phil Fontaine
Former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Dr. Phil Fontaine is a dedicated and highly respected leader in
Canada. Fontaine has been one
of the foremost First Nations leaders in Canada for decades. He played a pivotal
role in exposing the abuses within the residential school system and made key
contributions to the defeat of the Meech Lake Accord. Along with his work in
achieving a framework agreement for self-government of Manitoba’s First Nations,
Fontaine is a person who has made many positive contributions to
Canada.
Fontaine, a member of the Sagkeeng First Nation, is seen as the
leader in Aboriginal self-governance in Manitoba. His devotion to the advocacy
for the rights and well-being of First Nations communities as Grand Chief of the
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and as National Chief of the Assembly of First
Nations speaks highly to the dedication and talents he has brought to his
work.
The crowning achievement of his career to date, however, is leading the
successful resolution and settlement of claims arising out of the 150-year
Indian residential school tragedy. The Final Settlement Agreement now being
implemented is the largest, most unique and most comprehensive settlement in
Canadian history. Worth over 5.2-billion dollars in individual compensation, the
settlement also includes a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, an education
fund, healing resources and commemoration funding.
BIO:
Phil Fontaine, B.A., LL.D. (R.M.C.), LL.D. (Brock), LL.D. (Windsor) LL.D. (Lakehead), LL.D. (U of Winnipeg)
In the early 1980's, Phil Fontaine was elected to the position of Manitoba Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations. When his term expired in 1991, he was elected Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs where he served three consecutive terms. He played a key role in the development of Manitoba's Framework Agreement Initiative, in the defeat of the Meech Lake Accord, and signed an Employment Equity Agreement with 39 federal agencies. In 1997 he stepped onto the national stage where he was elected to the highest elected position in First Nations politics, National Chief.
