(PHOTO: NDP leadership candidate Romeo Saganash)
APTN National News
OTTAWA--Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo says he is “excited” about NDP MP Romeo Saganash’s bid to become the next leader of the NDP and potentially “the prime minister of the country.”
Atleo said he met Saganash, a well-known Cree leader in Quebec, for the first time this week on Parliament Hill during a planned visit by the AFN leader and chiefs to push their issues with parliamentarians.
“For me personally, (Saganash’s leadership run) is about allowing ourselves to realize our human potential…that is a powerfully positive message,” said Atleo. “It says to Indigenous people, if we put our minds and our hearts to it, we can accomplish anything we choose.”
Saganash is running to replace former NDP leader Jack Layton who died from cancer in late August.
Saganash is up against party president Brian Topp and B.C. NDP MP Nathan Cullen, who announced his intention to run on Friday.
Ottawa NDP MP Paul Dewar is expected to announce his intention to also seek the party’s leadership on Sunday.
A little-known Nova Scotia NDP member named Martin Singh is also reportedly planning to announce a bid the same day.
Atleo said he viewed Saganash’s bid as courageous.
“It brings with it so much discussion and debate, the debate and discussion of Indigenous people’s participation in the mainstream process,” said Atleo.
