THUNDER BAY – Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy has spent years in leadership. Chief Beardy spent ten years as Chief in his home community of Muskrat Dam, then twelve years as Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Grand Chief. Just over three years ago, Chief Beardy took on the responsibility as Ontario Regional Chief.
A relentless advocate for positive change, Ontario Regional Chief Beardy has now decided to focus on his family and enjoy time on his home territory. The Regional Chief sent a letter recently to the Chiefs of Ontario expressing that after his term was over next week, he was not seeking re-election.
In recent weeks, at several Thunder Bay events, Regional Chief Beardy has expressed thoughts on the path First Nations are on, and expressing how he believes there are young leaders coming forward.
NDP Aboriginal Affairs Critic France Gélinas states, “On behalf of New Democrats, I want to thank Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy for his leadership during a long and accomplished career. Regional Chief Beardy worked tirelessly for First Nations health, education and economic development in Northern Ontario.
“As Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), he was instrumental in promoting the interests of the 49 NAN communities he represented by advocating for new relationships with the governments of Ontario and Canada based on respect for First Nations traditional governance and treaty rights. His contributions towards progress for all peoples in Ontario will have a lasting positive impact.”
