In carrying the name “A-in-chut”, which means ‘everyone depends on you’, Atleo has been raised to follow the ancient teachings to represent the House of Glakishpiitl honourably, and to care for the people and the territories. Particularly, the teachings of “Hish-ook-ish Tsa’walk” (everything, everyone is connected), “Ya-akstalth” (loving, caring for one another), “Hahopstalth” (teaching wisdom), “Hopiitsalth” (be helpful, caring to each other), and “Ap-haystalth” (always be kind and friendly). These teachings support well-being and are examples of the richness offered in indigenous languages. Youth across the land are increasingly accepting the responsibility to be leaders in language and cultural resurgence and this must be vigorously supported to ensure the survival of our languages. With gratitude for the efforts and resilience of our elders and those who have gone before us, we can save our languages, and bring them into everyday use once again.

Into his 6th year as BC Regional Chief, other work at the national and regional level has included:

International Relations and Cooperation – participating in the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples talks in New York and Geneva. He has worked with the Indigenous Caucus at the Organization of American State in Washington, DC and Monterrey, Mexico. He led on behalf of the AFN a delegation to support in the recovery and rebuilding of Indigenous communities struck by the Tsunami ravaged area of Banda Aceh, Indonesia. He has participated and marched with the Indigenous people from throughout South America at the Indigenous Summit of the Americas in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He has marched with 25,000 landless poor Indigenous Peoples in Gwalior, India to advocate for approximately 80 million landless “Adavasi” (indigenous people).

Asserting Rights – co-chairs the national process of the Recognition and Implementation of First Nation Governments, in which the AFN and the Government of Canada concluded a Crown-First Nations Political Accord. The Accord is directed towards achieving: reconciliation and recognition of First Nation Governments affirming Treaty and Aboriginal rights, consistent with section 35, Constitution Act, 1982; federal policy renewal (carried out AFN mandate as Specific Claims Tribunal Act task force Co Chair), including the reforms to the federal government’s comprehensive claims and inherent rights policies, support for nation-building through First Nations capacity building and institutional development.

National Fisheries – co-chairs national committee consisting of Chiefs and expert advisors to advocate with coastal and inland fisheries for full First Nations involvement in fisheries management and working together as First Nations to ensure treaty and aboriginal rights and title are protected while taking a leadership role in sustainability balanced with advancing economic interests.