A new Grand Chief was elected at yesterday's Annual General Assembly for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.

Arlen Dumas has been elected as the new Grand Chief. The Chiefs in Assembly elected him with an overwhelming 33 out of 54 votes in the first ballot.

Grand Chief Dumas has been the Chief of Mathias Colomb Cree Nation for ten years, a total of five consecutive terms. He will now represent 62 First Nations in Manitoba.

"It is an honour to be elected as the Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and to know the Manitoba Chief supports me in this role," Dumas said in a statement. "I am committed to bring a unified voice for all Manitoba First Nations and to provide more opportunities for our communities.

"Together as one our voices will be loud and powerful."

Grand Chief Dumas focused on four key areas during his campaign, which include Inherent, Aboriginal and Treaty Rights; Land and Resources; Governance and Advocacy; and People and Culture.

Grand Chief Dumas was elected over four other candidates, which included Craig Blacksmith (Dakota Plains Wahpeton Oyate), David Kobliski (Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation), Sharon Mason (Wasagamack First Nation) and Garry McLean (Lake Manitoba Treaty 2 First Nation).