RoseAnne Archibald is a Canadian politician and First Nations advocate who served as the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief from July 2021 to June 2023. She is the Assembly of First Nations’ first female National Chief.
In this article, we’ll be walking you through her life journey, a career as a politician, and some FAQs.
Life & Career
At twenty-three, Archibald became the youngest chief to be elected in 1990 and the first woman to hold the position of chief of the Taykwa Tagamou Nation. In 1991, she was the first female and youngest Deputy Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation; the following year, in 1994, she was the first female and youngest Grand Chief of the Mushkegowuk Council.
In 2018, she was elected as Ontario’s first female regional chief. After AFN employees accused Archibald of bullying and harassment during this time, she became the focus of an independent investigation. Although the AFN found the claims to be credible, Archibald insists the investigation was retaliatory.
On July 8, 2021, Archibald emerged victorious in the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations election following the concession of second-place candidate Reginald Bellerose.
Archibald was placed on leave as national chief due to claims of bullying and harassment On June 17, 2022. She called for an investigation into the AFN’s actions and called the allegations a “smear campaign” in a statement she released, which led to the suspension. On July 5, 2022, she was given her full rights again after the AFN General Assembly rejected a resolution that would have maintained her suspension.
Third-party investigators later determined Archibald violated the AFN’s harassment policy, whistleblower policy, and code of conduct. Consequently, on June 28, 2023, 71% of AFN members voted in favor of her removal as national chief, to take effect immediately. Joanna Bernard of the Madawaska First Nation was named national chief in an acting capacity on July 10th, with the intention of holding a special chiefs’ assembly in December.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why was RoseAnne Archibald removed from the parliament?
National Chief RoseAnne Archibald is being fired by the Assembly of First Nation following an investigation into her alleged mistreatment of multiple employees earlier this year. Over 70% of AFN members cast ballots in favor of her removal.
2. What is the charge against RoseAnne Archibald?
RoseAnne Archibald, the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, was accused of harassing coworkers and fostering a hostile work environment. These claims prompted an investigation into Archibald.
3. What are some interesting facts about RoseAnne Archibald?
At the age of 23, she became the first female chief elected for Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN) in 1990. In addition, she was the first female Grand Chief for the Mushkegowuk Council and the youngest Deputy Grand Chief for Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN).