There are many great goals to achieve, challenges to address, and projects to be completed. While the opportunity to further the First Nations mandate at the federal level is a great honour, I must remain grassroots and help those who have helped me become the person I am today. I must support those who want to continue the positive change within our community; and realize we have a lot of work to do.
While many have offered to support me either way, I must remain committed and dedicated to Fort William First Nation. Therefore this decision to remain as Chief and respectfully decline the nomination for the Liberal Party has already been made. Sometimes in life we are presented with extraordinary opportunities, however we must listen with our heart and remain loyal to our visions and goals. My heart is with my community that raised me. I am at peace with this decision, enabling me to continue to focus all my energy into what matters most to the people and community around me.
There is work to be done at home. Not all choices in life can be a personal decision. I have realized that sometimes those around you are what matter most. Family, friends and community must come first. My personal decisions are moulded by those who have shown me the love, care and respect. Those people are the people of Fort William First Nation. For these reasons alone I will remain dedicated to our community.
Our plan and vision as a community deserves this dedication from their leaders. Vision, hope and prosperity can not be realized unless we stay together on a forward path; and a recent discussion with our Elders helped me to realize this resulting in my decision. While being supportive, they also taught me a valuable lesson. Patience.
Thank you Fort William First Nation for helping me become the person I am. My heart is with my community. I will show you the dedication and respect you deserve. We are all one. Let’s move forward together.
With great respect and humility,
Chief Georjann Morriseau
