Fiddler defeated Rosemary McKay by 12 votes

CHAPLEAU CREE FIRST NATION — Alvin Fiddler has held off a challenge to his leadership of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

Fiddler, who was first elected to NAN's top position in 2015, was returned to the post in a vote Wednesday involving Chiefs of the organization's 49 member First Nations.

Fiddler received 28 votes, while the only other candidate, Rosemary McKay of Bearskin Lake, got 16 votes.

Eight candidates were vying for the three Deputy Grand Chief positions, with voting scheduled to continue Wednesday afternoon.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation, known as Grand Council Treaty No. 9 until 1983, was established in 1973.

The political organization represents about 45,000 First Nations people across northern Ontario.