Winnipeg journalist Sheila North Wilson to run for MKO grand chief
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak election takes place Sept. 2 in Nelson House
Award-winning Winnipeg journalist Sheila North Wilson is running for grand chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), the organization that represents northern First Nations in the province.
North Wilson says she plans to announce her candidacy at a news conference on Thursday.
"I have been approached to run for the position of Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) by a number of northern First Nations leaders and people," she wrote in an email to CBC News.
"I am deeply honoured by the call and feel humbled that leaders and people have the confidence in me to lead at this very critical time."
North Wilson said she made the decision with her family after speaking with members of her home community, the Bunibonibee Cree Nation in Oxford House, Man., during a visit in June.
She will be running against 19-year-old Tyler Duncan of Norway House Cree Nation, who announced his candidacy for grand chief in June.
The MKO election takes place Sept. 2 in Nelson House, Man. All chiefs, headmen and councillors of member First Nations are eligible to vote.
North Wilson is taking a leave of absence from her job as a reporter at CTV Winnipeg, where she had been working since December 2013. She previously worked as a reporter at CBC Manitoba.
She also worked in communications for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, working closely with AMC Grand Chief Derek Nepinak on files related to First Nations sovereignty and missing and murdered indigenous women.
North Wilson is married to Robert Wilson, also known as Grammy-nominated Christian rapper Fresh I.E. She has two children.
Current grand chief faced controversy
Current Grand Chief David Harper was first elected in 2009 and re-elected in 2012.
He told CBC News late Tuesday that he is considering his options as he decides whether to seek re-election.
"Basing it on the calls and encouragements I've been getting and they look favourable," he wrote in a message.
Harper has been accused of misspending money at MKO, a non-profit, political advocacy organization that represents 30 northern First Nations.
Last year, member chiefs demanded Harper's suspension during an audit of the organization's finances. He refused, saying those personal expenses were paid back through payroll deductions.
- MKO grand chief not stepping down amid misspending allegations
- Harper asked to step down for accepting money from nuclear waste organization
Then earlier this year, Harper was criticized for accepting money from the Nuclear Waste Management Organization. Again, there were calls for him to step down.