Lawrence Martin's municipal experience 'will serve him well'

Morning North5:16New Grand Chief for Cree communities in the northeast

Mushkegowuk Cree communities in the northeast have elected a new leader to replace Stan Louttit. Lawrence Martin was their choice. We spoke with Alvin Fiddler, the Deputy Grand Chief with the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation about the challenges Martin will face.

There's hope the new leader for Mushkegowuk Cree nations in northeastern Ontario can help build bridges with non-native communities.

Lawrence Martin, the new Grand Chief of the Mushkegowuk Council, won a by-election held after the death of long-time leader Stan Louttit.

Martin's previous political experience includes serving as mayor for the towns of Cochrane and Sioux Lookout.

The deputy grand chief of the Nishnawbi-Aski Nation political organization, which represents 49 northern Ontario communities, says that should be an asset in his new position.

“We've said that we cannot work in isolation, that we need partners to work with us including municipalities,” Alvin Fiddler said.

“I think the fact that he had the opportunity to be the mayor for Sioux Lookout and Cochrane, that will serve him well as far as reaching out to mayors.”

This is Martin's second turn as leader for Mushkegowuk Council. He also served as Grand Chief from 1998 to 2001.