LUNNEY APPLAUDS ELECTION OF SHAWN   

(A-in-CHUT) ATLEO

 
OTTAWA, ON -  Dr. James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Alberni extends congratulations on the election of Shawn (A-in-Chut) Atleo to the position of National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

“Shawn is an exceptionally accomplished individual. He has distinguished himself as a new generation leader in British Columbia. I believe his election will accelerate the sea-change in improved relations with First Nations occurring in BC and chart a course of positive impact across the nation," said Lunney.

Atleo is from our own Nuu-chah-nulth people, originally from Ahousaht. In September 2008 A-in-Chut was appointed first Chancellor of Vancouver Island University.  Among his other achievements he was executive director of a First Nations addictions treatment facility, managing director of Umeek Human Resource Development, and aboriginal post-secondary training institute.

Shawn's university credentials, business acumen and firm roots in his own community will be tremendous assets in the task before him.

"This has been a remarkable season for First Nations in Nanaimo-Alberni," said Lunney. "The Federal government announced a new school for Ahousaht earlier this spring, Parliament passed the historic Maa-nulth Treaty agreement in June and just last week we cut the ribbon for construction of a 160 home development for the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. The election of Shawn Atleo from among our First Nations to National Chief is the crown on a year of positive achievements.

“We look forward to welcoming Shawn Atleo to Ottawa and working with him to achieve positive changes for all First Nations," concluded Lunney.