Chief Adam Fiddler steps down

Sandy Lake Chief Adam Fiddler is leaving politics to study law at Lakehead University’s new law school.
“I’ve always wanted to go to law school and the law school opening up in Thunder Bay in 2013 really excites me,” Fiddler said. “I’m a firm believer in telling our young people — go after your dreams, go after your goals. This is one way of showing that I mean what I talk about. I lead by example and I’d like to show the young people that there are opportunities out there.”
Fiddler told his community this past January that he would not be running for chief in the upcoming election, which is scheduled for March 30.
“It’s a real honour and privilege to serve the people in my community,” Fiddler said. “I put a lot of energy into it. I did the best I could and I leave on a good note.”
Candidates for chief include Bart Meekis, David D. Kakegamic, Elizabeth Jessie Day and Josh Kakegamic.
Candidates for deputy chief include Robert Kakegamic, Sonny Manoakeesick and Nick Day.
Candidates for councillor include Rusty Fiddler, Russell Kakepetum, Fabian Crow, Nathaniel Keno, David B. Kakegamic, Wayne Kakegamic, Joe Kakegamic, Allan Rae, Harvey Kakegamic, Ringo Fiddler, Dennis Kakegamic, Ken M. Meekis, Cathy Rae, Ida Anishinabie, Jackie Rae, Terrance Meekis, Cherish Kakegamic, Bob Linklater, Gerry Kakekagumick and John McKay.
Adam Fiddler said that continuing his studies is a way to help his people in some form or capacity in the future.
“I don’t necessarily want to be a lawyer,” Fiddler said. “I was part of the First Nations gathering with the prime minister in January and there’s a lot of high-level discussions that we need to continue to have in terms of rights for First Nations. By going to school and gaining that knowledge, I’m hoping that I can only help my fellow First Nations people.”
Fiddler is planning to complete his BA in Political Science to prepare for law school.
“I took political science part-time at Lakehead University with the ultimate goal of someday entering law,” Fiddler said. “I started my family early and started work.”
After working part-time at Wawatay Native Communications Society for a number of years, Fiddler worked at CBC Radio for four years before he moved back to Sandy Lake to serve his community.
“I was starting my family and I wanted my kids to establish their roots in the community,” Fiddler said. “That strong tie, that strong connection that I felt in my community and with the land and my people, I wanted my children to experience that.”
Fiddler became involved in politics after moving back to the community, beginning with the Sandy Lake Board of Education.
“I was elected to council in 2000,” Fiddler said. “It’s been 12 years since I was first elected. I’ve done my best; it’s been a long haul.”
Fiddler said being involved with band council requires a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week commitment.
“My family hasn’t had the time to share with me,” Fiddler said. “I haven’t had an official holiday since first being elected to council.”
Fiddler plans to take two weeks off after the upcoming band council election for himself.
“But I know I’m going to be bored at that point.”