THUNDER BAY – ANISHINAWBE – On behalf of the Chiefs of Ontario I would like to congratulate Francis Kavanaugh on his election as Ogichidaa, Grand Chief of Grand Council Treaty #3 in Wauzhushk Onigum (Rat Portage) during Treaty #3 Chiefs Spring Assembly this afternoon.
“I want welcome Grand Chief Kavanaugh to the Political Confederacy and look forward to working with this seasoned First Nation leader who will be a strong and committed voice for Treaty #3 territory,” said Regional Chief Day. “His years of experience in governance and his knowledge of the Treaties will be a major benefit to our team and he will be a strong ally for First Nations citizens. I look forward to working with him on furthering First Nation priorities in the north. I also want to take this opportunity to thank former Ogichidaa Warren White for his service and hard work as both Grand Chief and as a member of the COO Political Confederacy.”
Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day
Grand Chief Kavanaugh was elected through the Traditional Selection process which is overseen by the Elders, with elected leadership (Chief and Councillors) entrusted to nominate a candidate from the Nation. Once candidates are finalized, the elected leadership stand behind the candidate that is best suited to the position of Grand Chief. Grand Chief Kavanaugh was selected through this process, which resulted in all elected leadership standing behind him in a show of support. He will serve four years as Grand Chief.
Francis Kavanaugh, a father husband and traditional dancer is from Naotkamegwanning (Whitefish Bay) where he served as chief for a few terms and also held the Grand Chief position in the mid 1990s where he was instrumental in the Treaty #3 Governance Initiative.
