New Ontario Regional Chief Selected by a Standing Vote

This traditional method of Leadership Selection was a historic development which follows on the heels of a similar process used by the Chiefs and Elders at the recent Grand Council Treaty #3 Assembly. In this method of the Standing Vote, the five candidates for position of Ontario Regional Chief, stood before the assembly where the Chiefs and Proxies moved directly behind their choice of candidate to visibly demonstrate their support.

The five candidates included: Chief Tom Bressette, Chippewas of Kettle/Stony Point; Tobasonakwut Kinew, Onegaming; Chief Randy Kapasheshit, Mocreebec First Nation; Chief Earl Commanda, Serpent River First Nation; and Howard Pamajewon, Ojibways of Shawanaga.

In using this method, the candidate with the shortest numbers stood down; giving their supporters the opportunity to join another line. This process continued until the new Ontario Regional Chief was declared.


The Standing Vote method concluded by having all Assembly delegates and participants stand behind Tom, to witness and participate in a Swearing-In-Ceremony conducted by Elders Fred Plain and Bruce Elijah. This was followed by a Pipe Ceremony conducted by Ojibway Elder Jim Dumont which served to santify and confirm the ceremony.

On the last day of the Assembly, Regional Chief Bressette announced that he would require a 2 week transition period before assuming full responsibilities for the position of Regional Chief. This timeframe would allow Tom the opportunity to wrap up any outstanding business and obligations within his home community of Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point. In the interim, Gordon B. Peters, was requested to continue in this capacity until Tom assumes the full role of Ontario Regional Chief.

We would like to take this time to extend our Congratulations toTom and his family; and further, welcome him on as the newly selected Ontario Regional Chief.

For those of you who wish to extend your best wishes, Tom can be reached over the next two weeks @ (519) 786-2125 via the Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point administration office.