MKO elects Garrison Settee as new grand chief

Manitoba's northern First Nations elected a new grand chief Wednesday.Former PimicikamakchiefGarrison Settee is the new grand chief ofManitobaKeewatinowiOkimakanak.

Two candidates stepped upafter former Grand Chief Sheila Northdid not seek re-electionafter athree year reignas grand chief.Shewent on to take an unsuccessful runat the leadership of the Assembly of First Nations.

Settee received 53 of 89 total votes.

"I ran on a platform of transformational change. I did not run for the title, but for the North. It will be my focus," Settee said in a statement.

"Making northern Manitoba a better place for First Nation families is my ultimate goal. That will mean that Canada
will have to pay more attention to our treaties, to our issues and to our concerns."

Settee thanked North and his opponent Ted Bland after taking the oath of office.

The MKO's annual general assembly isbeing held on the Opaskwayak Cree Nation and will wrap up Thursday.