National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo is a Hereditary Chief from the Ahousaht First Nation. In July 2009, A-in-chut was elected to a three year mandate as National Chief to the Assembly of First Nations. The Assembly of First Nations is the national political advocacy organization mandated and directed by the six hundred and thirty three First Nation Governments across Canada.
A-in-chut is committed to the principles of working together through inclusion and respect. In March 2005, the BC Assembly of First Nations, along with the political executive of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs and First Nations Summit, signed a historic Leadership Accord overcoming decades of discord in BC.
A-in-chut graduated in 2003 with a Masters of Education in Adult Learning and Global Change from the University of Technology, Sydney Australia (in partnership with University of British Columbia, University of the Western Cape South Africa, and University of Linkoping Sweden). In 2008, A-in-chut’s commitment to education was recognized in his appointment as Chancellor of Vancouver Island University, becoming BC’s first aboriginal Chancellor.
A-in-chut is supported by and gains strength from his partner of 23 years Nancy and their two adult children, Tyson and Tara. Traditional teachings have guided A-in-chut to serve First Nations as a leader, facilitator, mediator, planner and teacher.
