WINNIPEG—Derek Nepinak of Pine Creek First Nation is new Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. The election was held today at Opaskwayak Cree Nation and was decided on the second ballot.

As Chief of Pine Creek First Nation, Derek Nepinak is the AMC co-chairman for consultation and accommodation, a member of the executive committees of both the AMC and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization and has served as chairman of the West Region Tribal Council. Chief Nepinak also served on the governance council of Treaty 4. He holds a law degree and has studied indigenous governance.

Elections for Grand Chief are held every three years. Grand Chief Nepinak was preceded by Ron Evans (Norway House, 2005-2011); Dennis White Bird (Rolling River, 2000-2005); Rod Bushie (Hollow Water, 1997-2000); Phil Fontaine (Sagkeeng, 1989-1997) and Louis Stevenson (Peguis, 1987-1989).

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is the political voice of action for First Nations in Manitoba.

Biography
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Derek Nepinak

Grand Chief Derek Nepinak is former Chief of Pine Creek First Nation, the AMC co-chairman for consultation and accommodation, a member of the executive committees of both the AMC and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization and has served as chairman of the West Region Tribal Council.

He holds a first-class honours degree from the University of Alberta, a law degree from the University of Saskatchewan and has completed the intensive program aboriginal lands, resources and governance at Osgoode Hall law school. Nepinak interrupted his studies on a masters degree in indigenous governance to become Pine Creek First Nation chief.

For more information, contact Doug Thomas, Director of Corporate Communications,
204-781-5862, dthomas@manitobachiefs.com

July 27, 2011

Click image to open PDF Version

G