Christopher Plain has stepped down as Chief of Aamjiwnaang First Nation to focus on his new role as Deputy Grand Council Chief for the Anishinabek Nation.
“Regretfully, I have submitted my resignation to the Council effective June 21, 2024,” Plain wrote in a letter to Aamjiwnaang membership. “These are two demanding positions that require full-time duties.”
Plain, who was first elected to Aamjiwnaang Band Council in June 2000, has been Chief since 2005, with the exception of the 2016-2018 term when he served again as a councillor.
Earlier this month, Plain was elected Deputy Grand Council Chief of the Anishinabek Nation, the political advocate for 39 member First Nations across Ontario.
Plain, whose 2022 to 2024 term will end in October, said council will appoint an acting chief, and says he doesn’t expect ‘much impact’ from his departure.
“I sincerely wish that I was able to complete the term, however, the timing was off and many in the Anishinabek Nation were asking me to step forward,” Plain wrote.
Plain was elected to the new role at the Anishinabek Nation's Grand Council Assembly in Sudbury where Linda Debassige made history becoming the first female Grand Council Chief.
“I’m grateful to the community of Aamjiwnaang First Nation for allowing me to stand for this position and I look forward to serving the Anishinabek Nation with the new Grand Council Chief to the best of our abilities for all of the nations,” he stated.
The primary duty of the Grand Council Chief and Deputy Grand Council Chief is to serve the collective will and protect the rights and interests of the Anishinabek Nation and E’Dbendaagzijig (citizenship law).
Previously, there were four Regional Deputy Grand Council Chiefs; however, in this election and moving forward, there will be one Deputy Grand Council Chief, a news release noted.
“Throughout this term presented by challenges, Aamjiwnaang was able to continue community development, including: upgraded reaction areas, the hospice like space, the five-plex currently being renovated in the City, the seniors tri-plex, upgraded street lighting, Tashmoo sidewalk, service road resurfacing, the addition of the dedicated police officer, the Clench Claim finalized, and two new potential claims being brought forward, thanks to all the hard work put forward by staff and council,” Plain wrote.
“It’s been an honour and privilege to serve the membership of Aamjiwnaang. I am looking forward to my new position, but my heart will always be with Aamjiwnaang.”