The position of Grand Chief was created to provide the Confederacy with a single voice on political matters. The Grand Chief takes direction from the Chiefs in Assembly and is under a sacred trust to comply with this direction. The Grand Chief shall also be the Chair of the Chiefs Executive Committee. 

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The Chiefs determine within their area who they will put forward as the spokesperson for the Confederacy of Treaty Six to be named Grand Chief. The position of the Grand Chief is rotated by Tribal Councils and Independent Nations. The position is for a one-year term.

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Grand Chief Biography

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Grand Chief Joey Pete grew up on Sunchild First Nation with his great grandmother Maggie, father Edwin Frencheater and numerous aunties and uncles. He is of Anishinaabe and Cree descent, growing up with both cultures. Born into a long line of Leaders and Lodge Holders, Grand Chief Pete grew up around Ceremony and Powwow, becoming a Powwow dancer at the age of six.

 

Grand Chief Pete has a strong belief that grandparents hold vast amounts of Traditional Knowledge — where identity, language and culture are revered as the foundation of the Anishinaabe and Cree People’s beliefs and values.

“Creator gave our People Inherent Rights to be who we are, to lead as stewards of our Lands, and to foster our connection with Mother Earth. Treaty No. 6 First Nations have every right to advocate for themselves — for self-sustainability, economic advancement and for all our children who are yet to be born, just as our Ancestors did.”

 

“As a boy, my grandmother told me Treaty would be challenged every day. Now, the government wants to do away with our Treaties. Elders from our First Nations are pleading to Chiefs: it is time our Peoples stand strong and united.”
 

“Our history is written on our landscapes; our connection to the land is eminent. We must speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.”

 

Grand Chief Pete was elected as Chief of Sunchild First Nation # 202 on March 13, 2025 before starting his term as Grand Chief. He looks forward to focusing on sustainability, economic advancement, children’s health issues and defending Treaty and the Inherent Rights of Treaty No. 6 First Nations.

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Grand Chief inquiries can be directed to:

Kayli Avveduti

Executive Director

Kayli@treatysix.org