After 14 years in politics, Jennifer O’Bomchavin is trying to become the first female leader of the Huron-Wendat nation in 30 years.
In fact, we have to go back to 1992 to find the first woman to hold this position in Wentag, Jocelyn Gros-Lewis. The latter defeated then 26-year incumbent Max Gros-Lewis. He served in this position till 1994.
For her part, Jennifer O’Bomshaw made her decision after months of thinking about the launch and taking her advice. It is customary for candidates to seek the consent of their family circle and other family members, which he did.
During his meetings, the candidate heard a lot about his desire to rediscover the much faded sense of community and pride of identity. He wants to work on it and increase governance within the nation so that it is more inclusive and representative.
“I’ve been thinking about it for a while, but this time, Time It was good […] I always knew I would be active in politics, but it was about seeing where I would have the most impact. For me it is important to analyze it well.
Political parties have often approached him to begin with. “But when I think of my nation it seems that I don’t feel that mission and heart are aligned,” he said. I want to work for my people and have a direct impact on what happens.
Many influences
At 29, the young woman and mother of a two-year-old girl has already achieved an impressive feat.
Born in Wentag, he grew up there with his parents. His mother was a Wendate, and his father, an Abenaki from Odanak. A few years ago he died of a devastating cancer that taught him the importance of sticking up for loved ones.
From the age of 12, Jennifer served in O’Bomcha’s tribal youth councils and later chaired the National Youth Council of the Assembly of First Nations. He represented young Aboriginal people from Quebec and Labrador.
After studying and practicing journalism, he also worked in the Ministry of Home Affairs in the National Assembly. For nearly four years, and until recently, he was an advisor to Remy Vincent, Grand Chief of the Huron-Wended Nation.
“During my time on the council, I was always paying close attention to what people were saying, what members were complaining about, what they wanted to see,” he says. At the same time I was thinking about how I could do it if I went there one day.
When the grand chief announced this spring that he would not seek a new mandate, she saw it as a sign.
“Remy was able to enter the top 20 of influential personalities in Quebec, and we need to continue in this direction,” he says.
For Euan Loupierre, who has been working with her for several months at National, Jennifer O’Bomcha is an exceptional young woman, a passionate person who is part of a new generation of leaders.
“He is already charismatic in his young age, he has a lot of ambitions for his community and the tribe in general. His commitment is deep,” underlines this former federal MP and founding member of the Bloc Québécois.
The campaign officially begins with the filing of nominations on the evening of September 3. Elections will be held on October 25.
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