THUNDER BAY – ANISHINABEK – Isadore Day Wiindawtegowinini, currently Chief of Serpent River First Nation (SRFN), announced his candidacy for the position of Ontario Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), which will take place this June on Treaty #3 Territory.
“With careful consideration, I’m formally announcing my candidacy for the position of Ontario Regional Chief. If elected, I will put every effort toward ensuring that our rights and jurisdictions as First Nations are fully recognized, respected and honoured. My highest priority will be placed on ‘Securing a Future for Our Children.’ In my 10 year experience as a Chief, I know this can only be achieved through the assertion of our rights and taking full responsibility for what happens on our ancestral lands.”
“As mothers, fathers, grandparents and leaders, our deepest wish is that our children, families and communities are happy and healthy. The challenge we often face is simple; it’s a struggle to create a quality of life and economic wealth for our people when other governments have unlawful control of our land. My approach with other governments will be clear and unwavering – to support the advancement of Inherent Rights and Treaty Enforcement, as well as asserting Our Jurisdictions. If we are to achieve a sustainable future and hope for our children today and for those yet to come, it is vital that First Nation governments sit at eye-level with other governments; at the same tables,” stated Chief Day.
As a strong advocate of First Nation jurisdictions, authorities, treaties and Indigenous law, Chief Day is determined to draw these priorities as “bottom-line political benchmarks” in all provincial and national forums. He sites with clear understanding that “the direction, priorities, and voices of First Nation leaders and their people must be represented and understood and from every level – that’s our focus.”
Isadore has served as Chief of the Serpent River First Nation for the last decade (2005-2015). During his time in office, he’s credited with numerous accomplishments including negotiating a $13M water treatment plant, building a multi-facility community center and establishing community based environmental protection systems through the creation of the SRFN Environmental Review Commission.
Chief Day is known for his committed and fair leadership but notes; “We are facing some of the most difficult times in the modern history of planet earth; hence the role of leadership requires strength, determination and political interventions that protect First Nation jurisdiction over lands and supports Sustainable Economies that will give hope and opportunity to our children, and to those yet to come.”
Chief Day lives in Serpent River First Nation with his partner Angela, and has seven children and three grandchildren. He has a deep and active connection to the land. When he’s not on the road advocating for the rights of First Nations people, he values his time with his family and friends. He is a hereditary treaty chief with lineage to Shingwauk and Wiindawtegowinini, and was raised in the North. Chief Day maintains a strong connection to his Anishnawbe culture. He believes that the protection of land is the most critical approach to achieving the survival of Indigenous Identity and First Nation people’s.
