Cindy was elected as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) in December 2023. Previously enacting as the Manitoba region First Nations representative to the Executive Committee, Cindy led negotiations for the AFN that resulted in a historic $40 billion settlement in a human rights class action over discrimination in the welfare system. childhood.
During her tenure as regional leader of the AFN, Cindy also:
- Led advocacy for clean water, universal internet connectivity, and closing infrastructure and housing gaps for all First Nations.
- Regularly highlighted emerging priorities for leaders in his region, such as developments regarding the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, policing and emergency services.
- Worked daily and collaboratively with First Nations leadership to protect collective rights – treaties, inherent rights, title and jurisdiction, the right to self-determination and all human rights.
During her career, Cindy has accumulated extensive experience in lobbying the Senate, the House of Commons, Ministers and the Prime Minister’s Office to achieve the mandates given to them by the Chiefs.
This work has included calls to action for language legislation, child and family services legislation that affirms the inherent jurisdiction of First Nations, and legislation to advance implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples across Canada.