Rod Bushie

Rod Bushie (c. 1953 – June 14, 2013) was a Canadian Anishinaabe elder who served as the Grand Chief of Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the largest First Nations organization in Manitoba, from 1997 to 2000.[1]

Bushie served as the Chief of the Hollow Water First Nation, his home community, prior to his election as head of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs in 1997.[1]

In August 1997, Bushie was elected Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, serving until 2000.[1] Bushie was one of the creators of devolution, which transferred child welfare services to First Nation and Métis authorities.[1] In 2007, Bushie was defeated in an election to become head of the Southern Chiefs Organization.[1]

Bushie was a founder of the Aboriginal Curling Bonspiel and sat of the boards of directors of several community organizations, including the Adam Beach Film Institute.[1]

Rod Bushie died from lung cancer on June 14, 2013, at the age of 60.[1] The current Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Derek Nepinak, released a statement, ""On behalf of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, I offer sincere condolences to his wife Eileen and children, along with the family and friends of Rod Bushie."[1]