Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations appoints new Grand Chief

December 16, 2025 (Treaty No. 6 Territory) — The Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations is proud to announce Chief Joey Pete as its new Grand Chief.

Succeeding Chief Greg Desjarlais, Grand Chief Pete has been officially appointed to his new role during a transfer ceremony. His duties as Grand Chief will formally commence on January 1st for the duration of one year.

“I’m honoured to accept the responsibility of Grand Chief,” says Grand Chief Joey Pete. “As a boy, my grandmother told me we would face challenges to Treaty in the future and we’re seeing that now. It is time for our Nations to stand strong and united. Creator gave our Peoples Inherent Rights to be who we are — to lead as stewards of our Lands and to foster connection with Mother Earth. Our history is written on our landscapes; our connection to the land is eminent. We must speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.”

During his term, Grand Chief Pete will focus on sustainability, economic advancement, the health of children and defending Treaty and the Inherent Rights of Treaty No. 6 First Nations.

Grand Chief Joey Pete was elected as Chief of Sunchild First Nation on March 13, 2025. Grand Chief Pete grew up on Sunchild First Nation with his great grandmother Maggie, father Edwin Frencheater and numerous aunties and uncles. Born from a long line of Leaders and Lodge Holders of Ashinaabe and Cree cultures, Grand Chief Pete was raised with Ceremony and Powwow, becoming a Powwow dancer at the age of six. Grand Chief Pete strongly believes grandparents hold vast Traditional Knowledge — where identity, language and culture are revered as the foundation of the Anishinaabe and Cree Peoples.

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Media Contact: Jill McKenzie

Media Relations Manager

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jill@pipikwanpehtakwan.com