Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Bennett tells chiefs she did not meddle in AFN election

Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett told chiefs gathered for an Assembly of First Nations meeting in Vancouver Thursday that she did not try to influence their election of anational leader.

Bennett faced accusations of interferingin the election after she met with Alberta chiefs on Wednesday morning as the vote began fornational chief.

In a speech to the assembly, Bennett acknowledged the controversy and insisted that the meeting had nothing to do with the election.

AFN election wrap-up

6 years ago

Duration 2:54

The Assembly of First Nations re-elected Perry Bellegarde as national chief. We take a look back at what unfolded during the vote.

"I know there was a concern raised about Ottawa meddling in your affairs," said Bennett. "I had no intention of upsetting people by accepting an invitation of a newly elected regional chief to hear from chiefs in her region about their concerns. I have too much respect for all of you to try to influence your decisions."

Bennett told reporters Thursday morning that she initially offered to have the meeting off-site, but agreed to attend the Vancouver Convention Centre where the vote was held to accommodate the chiefs.

Controversy erupted in-between votes

Alberta AFN regional Chief Marlene Poitras said she invited Bennett to the meeting to listen tolocal concerns.

The issue blew upon the convention floor between the first and second round of voting.

Russell Diabo, a national chief candidate a policy analyst from Kahnawakein Quebec, accusedBennett of political interference.

He said Bennett "tainted" the election because the minister's words could have influenced chiefs'decisions at the ballot box.

Diabo was backed by candidates Sheila North, a grand chief from Manitoba, Miles Richardson, a former president of the Haida Nation in B.C., and Katherine Whitecloud, a former AFN regional chief from Manitoba.

AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde, who clinched victory on the second round of voting, tried to distance himself from the controversy but agreed Bennett should not have attended.

On Thursday morning, Bellegarde joked about the issue as he spoke to chiefs following his victory.

Bellegarde said in an interview with CBC News that the outrage from the other candidates was politically motivated.

"I won and they lost," said Bellegarde.

Bellegarde said he couldn't think of another instance when a federal minister showed up during the AFN's voting day. However, he said Bennett was there at the invitation of the Alberta regional chief.

"It's a chiefs' meeting and they invite guests to their regional caucuses," said Bellegarde. "It's up to the chiefs."