After a marathon voting session consisting of 8 ballots, Shawn Atleo has been elected as the new National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

Here is the offical AFN press release: Assembly of First Nations Announces Election of New National Chief Press Conference with New National Chief to be Held

Here is a link the the CBC coverage of the event: Atleo sworn in as AFN national chief (CBC News)

The following are links to statements issued by the major federal polical parties:

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada

Statement from Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff on the election of Shawn Atleo as new National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations

Statement by New Democrat Leader Jack Layton on the election of new Assembly of First Nations’ next National Chief

The Bloc Quebecois website had no statement up at the time of this writing.

The John Cochrane Band congratulates Mr. Atleo and looks forward to a long and productive working relationship with our new National Chief.