Chiefs re-elect Arlen Dumas as grand chief of Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

Grand Chief Arlen Dumas speaks at a news conference on March 24, 2021. (CTV News Photo Ken Gabel)

LONG PLAIN FIRST NATION, MANITOBA — Chiefs in Manitoba have re-elected Arlen Dumas as the head of the organization representing First Nations in the province.

Dumas won 38 of the 57 votes in the second ballot Wednesday afternoon.

The Cree leader beat out Sheila North, a former grand chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, the advocacy group representing northern First Nations in the province.

Dumas was first elected as grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs in 2017.

He took a leave of absence two years later after being accused of sending unwanted messages to a woman.

Dumas said at the time that he did not pursue an intimate relationship with the woman, but did message her to provide advice and guidance.

During North's remarks at the organization's annual two-day assembly, she referred to the incident in a Facebook livestream that has since been taken down saying, "I do support our own, but I do not support men who disrespect women."

First Nations leaders also elected Cindy Woodhouse as the Assembly of First Nations new regional chief after Kevin Hart stepped down earlier this year to run for national chief.

Woodhouse spent the last six years working as an intergovernmental affairs adviser at the AFN.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 14, 2021.