List of chiefs of Fort Albany First Nation facts for kids

Fort Albany First Nation is a community located in northern Ontario, Canada. Like many First Nations, it has its own leaders who help guide the community. These leaders are called Chiefs, and they work with a group of people called Councillors. Together, the Chief and Council make important decisions for their community. This article tells you about the Chiefs who have led Fort Albany First Nation since 1909.

Chiefs Under the Indian Act (1909–1977)

For many years, the way First Nations chose their leaders was guided by a Canadian law called the Indian Act. This law was put in place in 1909 for Fort Albany First Nation. It set up how the Chief and Council would be selected.

Early Chiefs and Councils

The first Chief of Fort Albany First Nation under the Indian Act was Andrew Wesley, chosen in 1909. After him, Moses Wesley became Chief in July 1920. He served for several terms, with different Councillors helping him lead the community. Other Chiefs during this time included Isiah Nashootaway (Sutherland) and Walter Stephen.

Leadership Through the Mid-20th Century

In July 1947, Simeon Scott became Chief, followed by James Wesley in July 1957. These leaders worked with their Councils to manage community affairs. The number of Councillors sometimes changed, reflecting the needs of the community. For example, in June 1960, James Wesley's council had seven members.

Changes in the Late 1960s and 1970s

Abraham Metatawabin was Chief in August 1964, and James Wesley returned as Chief in July 1967. In August 1969, William Stephen took on the role, followed by William Wesley Sr. in June 1971. These were busy times, and sometimes Councillors would resign, leading to new members joining the council.

The last Chief under this period was Silas Wesley, chosen in June 1975. This was an important time because soon after, Fort Albany First Nation and Kashechewan First Nation would become separate communities, each with their own Chief and Council.

After the Split with Kashechewan (1977–2022)

In 1977, Kashechewan First Nation began to have its own separate band council. This meant Fort Albany First Nation would now focus solely on its own community leadership.

New Beginnings and Challenges

John Nakogee was the first Chief of Fort Albany First Nation after the split, elected in June 1977. In June 1979, Alex Metatawabin became Chief, but he was later replaced by Louie Nakogee in a special election in March 1980. This shows that leadership could change if the community felt it was needed.

Chiefs in the 1980s and 1990s

Alex Metatawabin returned as Chief in June 1981, and Louie Nakogee Sr. followed in July 1983. In February 1985, Simeon Solomon became Chief. During his time, some Councillors resigned and were replaced in special elections. Louie Nakogee Jr. became Chief in August 1986.

A well-known Chief during this period was Edmund Metatawabin, who served multiple terms starting in July 1988. He was still Chief in 1994 and 1995. In July 1996, Arthur Scott was elected, but there was a disagreement about how the election was held, showing the community's strong interest in their leaders. Mike Metatawabin was Chief in 1998.

Recent Chiefs and Councils

In 2010, Robert Nakogee was a Councillor. In July 2012, Rex Knapaysweet became Chief. Robert Nakogee later served as Deputy Chief in 2014 and 2016.

More recently, Leo Metatawabin was elected Chief in August 2018, with Robert Nakogee as Deputy Chief. Their council included seven other members. In August 2020, Robert Nakogee became Chief, and Charlotte Nakoochee became Deputy Chief, leading a council of seven members.

Custom Election Code (2022–Present)

A big change happened in Fort Albany First Nation on June 13, 2022. The community voted to approve their own "Custom Election Code." This new code means that Fort Albany First Nation now chooses its leaders based on its own rules, rather than the rules set out in the Indian Act. This is a way for the community to have more control over its own governance.

First Election Under New Rules

The first election held under this new Custom Election Code was on October 1, 2022. In this historic election, Elizabeth Kataquapit was chosen as Chief. She made history as the First Nation's first elected female Chief! Terry Metatawabin was elected Deputy Chief, and they work with a council of seven members.