FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Prosper Today while Protecting Tomorrow

Joan Jack launches her bid to become National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Winnipeg, MB (June 6, 2012): Joan Jack officially launches her campaign today for the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). Her completed nomination package was submitted electronically to the AFN Chief Electoral Officer with her nominator being the Chief of her home community of Berens River, Manitoba. Chief George Kemp of the Berens River First Nation said, Joan has been serving our community as an elected council member and in a very short time I have seen first hand the leadership abilities that I believe are necessary for a National Chief and that is why I nominated her. Jack, who is also a lawyer and educator, says, When Chief Kemp first approached me with this idea, I was surprised. Firstly by his confidence in me in such a short time working together for our people and, secondly, because Ive always secretly wanted to be the first woman to be elected as our National Chief and Id never told anyone. So, maybe its time! Chief Donavon Fontaine of the Sagkeeng First Nation was a seconder for Joan Jacks nomination and said, "I have confidence in Joan knowing that she is much more than a "one issue" candidate. She sees the importance of linking all issues in a wholistic approach rather than placing a higher value and priority on one issue over the others". Jack also says that while unity is always her goal for her people, she also understands that unity is not the absence of conflict, it is the clarity of purpose. To that end, she has also decided that she will not develop a campaign based on an issues platform. Mrs. Jack says, Everyone running and voting knows the issues in our communities and platforms are for mainstream political parties and politicians. The AFN is not a government, but is a political organization intended to be about idea leadership. As such, the AFN should be a change agent based on the direction of our Chiefs, not our technicians. Mrs. Jack says, If I have a platform, it is to lead an organization that is focused, positive, solution oriented and forward-thinking for the benefit of those served. Finally, to achieve this, she shares that, As National Chief, I will work cooperatively and actively to empower and support the AFN Regional Vice-Chiefs as it is they who are the closest to their lands and peoples and they who best know what their people need from their National Chief. Mrs. Jack will be speaking directly with Chiefs across Canada during the weeks leading up to election day rd being held on July 18, 2012, in Toronto, during the 33 Annual General AFN Assembly. Joan is married to Bryan Jack of the Taku River Tlingit Nation in British Columbia and together, they have six children; three birth and three permanent foster children from their extended family. #### For more information contact Joan Jack at (204) 479-3004 or joanjack.nc@gmail.com Chief George Kemp at chiefkemp.anneen@yahoo.ca Chief Donavan Fontaine at (204) 792-2604 or keekito@hotmail.com