Theresa Spence has officially resigned as chief of Attawapiskat.
The move comes four days after Spence announced her intention to step down to ensure her candidacy for one of three deputy chief positions on the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN) executive council.
A vote will be held during NAN’s XXXIV Keewaywin Conference in Aroland First Nation Wednesday.
NAN is an umbrella organization that represents 49 First Nation communities in northern Ontario, according to a description on its website.
Spence has served as chief of the remote First Nation since 2010. She became a household name after staging a six-week hunger strike, living on a diet of fish broth and tea, in 2012-13.
The protest was done in an effort to generate a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper, to bring renewed federal attention to aboriginal issues.
Attawapiskat has long been plagued by a string of issues including an on-going housing crisis, band finances, and controversy over Spence’s pay.
In 2014, The Huffington Post Canada visited the remote community and spoke to Spence about her outlook on the band’s future.
“Attawapiskat is always going to be here, and we’re proud people, and our culture has always been our strongest foundation,” she said at the time.
A public meeting was held Wednesday to review options for the band’s future leadership.
With previous files
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