CSTC Congratulates Grand Chief Ed John for UNPFII Appointment

Dakelh Territory, Prince George, British Columbia. Canada. The Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (CSTC) is pleased to announce that our former Tribal Chief and esteemed leader Akile Ch’oh (Grand Chief Edward John) has been selected as the new Chair and President of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). Since 2011 Grand Chief Ed John was appointed as the North American Representative to the UNPFII.

“We are extremely proud and honoured to have our Dakelh people represented at the global table of the UNPFII. Grand Chief Ed John has worked very hard and diligently to ensure First Nations rights and responsibilities are included in policy-making and restitution of our peoples”, stated Vice Tribal Chief Terry Teegee.

Tribal Chief David Luggi stated, “Congratulations to Ed John in his recent appointment to the UNPFII. The CSTC Chiefs, Elders and youth are behind you one hundred percent.” Chief Luggi said, “Our youth have another Dakelh role model, one who’s made it to the United Nations! We’re proud of your achievement Ed!”

Today also marks the beginning of the 2-week meeting of the Eleventh Session of the UNPFII at the UN headquarters in New York. The special theme of this session is focused on the Doctrine of Discovery and its enduring impact on indigenous peoples and their right to redress for past conquests. The other areas of focus include indigenous peoples and their right to food and food sovereignty.

Grand Chief Edward John is a Dene Za (male hereditary Chief) of the Tl’azt’en Nation and member of the Lusilyoo (frog) clan. He was Tribal Chief of CSTC from 1984 to 1988, and has served multiple terms on the executive of the First Nations Summit representing First Nations from across BC. Early this year Akile Ch’oh was awarded a National Aboriginal Achievement Award.

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For more info visit:
UNPFII: http://social.un.org/index/IndigenousPeoples.aspx
Watch the opening of the 11th UNPFII
http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/webcast/2012/05/permanent-forum-on-indigenous-issues-opening-of-the-11th-session-english.html

For further information contact:
Tribal Chief David Luggi: 250-562-6279 ext.226; Cell 250-640-6622
Vice Tribal Chief Terry Teegee: 250-562-6279 ext.223; Cell 250-640-3256