FSIN elects David Pratt as new 2nd vice-chief - Action News
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Indigenous

FSIN elects David Pratt as new 2nd vice-chief

FSIN Elections Assembly wrap up at TCU Place in Saskatoon.

Heather Bear was re-elected as 4th vice-chief

David Pratt, a member of Muscowpetung First Nation (left), and Heather Bear from Ochapowace First Nation stand in starblankets as they are introduced as FSIN's newest vice-chiefs. Pratt, newly elected second-vice chief, is a newcomer to the FSIN executive. Bear won her re-election as fourth vice-chief. (Brad Bellegarde/CBC News)

A thunderousapplausefilled the centennial hall of TCU Place in Saskatoon on Thursdayas voting results were announced at the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nationselections assembly.

David Pratt was elected as second vice-chief, receiving630 out of 941 votes that were cast.

Pratt's excitement could be heard in his voice as he addressed hundreds of assembly attendees shortly after being declared victorious.

David Pratt takes the oath for the office of second vice-chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations at TCU Place in Saskatoon on Oct. 26, 2017. (Brad Bellegarde/CBC News)

"I do not take the responsibility that was given to me lightly today," said Pratt.

"There are no losers here today we are all winners today because we're advancing the rights of our people."

Pratt went on to saythat hard discussions will need to take place to ensure movement will take place on issues surrounding Saskatchewan's Indigenous communities.

Heather Bear continues post

The office of fourth vice-chief will remain as is with Heather Bear narrowly winning her re-election with 358 votes.

Bear was all smiles as she took to the podium to give her acceptance speech, emphasizing that there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.

Heather Bear was re-elected to the office of fourth vice-chief at the 2017 FSIN fall Legislative Assembly. Here she takes the oath of the FSIN. (Brad Bellegarde/CBC News)

"I am committed to going the distance on every mandate I talked about: full control of our children on and off-reserve, health reform and a suicide prevention strategy," said Bear.

Following the swearing-in of the newly elected vice-chiefs, FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said he looks forward to continuing the work of treaty advocacy with the new executive.

"We're just here for a little while.Let's pave that way, that good way built on inherent and treaty rights."