Allan Adam will remain ACFN chief after the recent election, making this his third term as the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation leader. Adam ran a campaign that focused on protecting the treaty rights of his people and being prepared for the uncertain economy in a region that depends on the oil industry. The election to determine the chief for the band and councillors was held on October 30. The First Nation group also operates Acden Ltd., an organization that brings in around $250 million each year and provides jobs for roughly 3,000 people. According to Chief Allen “Whatever we do with this downturn, we will adjust accordingly. We’re no different than any other company in that we are looking to make a profit. At the same time, what would we have to negotiate with and protect ourselves without the treaty?”

According to ACFN Chief Allan Adam “People need to realize what we’ve been saying all this time about treaty rights and protecting our land affects where they live, too. We raise the issue in certain ways the general public sometimes doesn’t like to hear, but we have to do what we have to do.” Right now there is a legal challenge in play because the ACFN have refused to publish any of the audited financial statements. These statements include a listing of expenses paid and salaries provided to the chief and the council. The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation have accused the government of treating the band like a group of criminals, and they have pointed out that there is no federal funding agreement signed by the band.