The path to reconciliation between Canada and its Indigenous Peoples begins with mutual respect, and conservation and celebration of culture.

In 2014, Perry Bellegarde was elected National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations following a long a career championing the rights of First Nation people. Originally from Little Black Bear First Nation in Treaty 4 Territory, National Chief Bellegarde has held the roles of Councillor, Chief, Tribal Chair, and Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and Saskatchewan Regional Chief.

National Chief Bellegarde is the recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal (2012), the Saskatchewan Medal (2005), the Queen’s Jubilee Medal (2002) and the Confederation Medal (1992). He has been honoured by several Chiefs and Elders who have acknowledged him as their adopted son, and he honoured them by carrying their teachings forward as he works toward full realization of self-determination for First Nations peoples and a shared nation-to-nation vision for a more just and inclusive Canada.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx