Chief of Chippewa won't seek re-election, hopes community continues to thrive

After about eight years in the political sphere, Myeengun Henry is officially hanging up his hat.

The outgoing chief of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation announced in a public letter he won't be seeking re-election this summer.

He has previously served a councillor for six years and is now wrapping up his two-year term as chief.

Henry, who lives in Kitchener and works at Conestoga College, has decided to be closer to family and home.

But he'll stay connected to his southwestern Ontario community, with the hope that itwill continue to thrive culturally and economically.

"The goal has always been to create opportunities for our nation, to open up doors, so we can start fitting into the economy, to build self-awareness in cultural ways and to challenge ourselves to become better as nation," he told CBC News.

Opportunities and connections

One of Henry's biggest goals was to connect the community with urban centres.

"And we've opened doors," he said.

He said the community has worked hard to "create allyships and friendships" with surrounding cities including London, Strathroy and Dutton.

"We didn't get along always before but now that we do, we can share services and ideas. We can grow together and have a better understanding as to who our people are," he said.

For example, he said the minister of tourism, culture and sport recently paid the community a visit after connecting with Henry at a JUNOS event in London.

"You know how doors open? We can open them wider if we just have a conversation," said Henry.

He said the community has also learned to take advantage of the benefits that come from being located in southwestern Ontario.

"Southern Ontario is the hub for many businesses, the 401 creates traffic flow that we can tap into for business opportunities. I think that'swhat our people are seeing now and we are going to do that," he said.

Challenges

Despite greater opportunity, Henry said more needs to be done to ensure a stronger economy.

A band-generated study in 2018 showed that a majority of money in the community was being spent in surrounding cities. It's why he wants to continue pushing for tourism projects.

"I'd like us to have our own business, create tourism on our reserve that brings people here so we can actually have our own economy," he said.

Henry said the community is also reeling from the effects of residential schools.

"The hurt and pain is still there in people," he said, noting that politicians need toconnect with the community about the topic of reconciliation.

Henry said drug-use continues to be an issue, despite calling for a drug-free community back in April and putting a ban on the delivery of online cannabis sales.

He said administration is working on coming up with its own cannabis regulation process to tackle the problem.

Henry said he hopes the incoming chief and council will build on the accomplishments from the previous term and tackle current challenges.

The election will be held on July 27.