Phil Fontaine
Presently National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Fontaine has been one of the foremost First Nations leaders in Canada for decades. He played a pivotal role in exposing the abuses within the residential school system and made key contributions to the defeat of the Meech Lake Accord. Along with his work in achieving a framework agreement for self-government of Manitoba’s First Nations, Fontaine is a person who has made many positive contributions to Canada.
Devotion & Advocacy
Fontaine, a member of the Sagkeeng First Nation, is seen as the leader in Aboriginal self-governance in Manitoba. His devotion to the advocacy for the rights and well-being of First Nations communities as Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations speaks highly to the dedication and talents he has brought to his work.
Crowning Achievement
The crowning achievement of his career to date, however, is leading the successful resolution and settlement of claims arising out of the 150-year Indian residential school tragedy. The Final Settlement Agreement now being implemented is the largest, most unique and most comprehensive settlement in Canadian history. Worth over 5.2-billion dollars in individual compensation, the settlement also includes a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, an education fund, healing resources and commemoration funding.