Who was first elected National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations in 1997?

• A. Perry Bellegarde
• B. Phil Fontaine
• C. Shawn Atleo
• D. Matthew Coon Come

Answer: (B)

The situation tests your knowledge of who led the Assembly of First Nations as National Chief and when. The National Chief is the elected leader of the AFN, chosen by chiefs at the annual assembly to speak for First Nations across Canada and to push for their rights and interests with the federal government.

In 1997, Phil Fontaine, the Chief of the Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba, was elected to that role. His election in that year makes him the correct answer, as he is the one who took on the National Chief position at that time. He went on to address major issues affecting communities, such as treaty rights, land claims, and the lasting impact of residential schools, shaping the AFN’s leadership during that period.

Other names served as National Chief in different years, which is why they’re not the right pick for 1997, but they helped illustrate how the role has been filled over time.