Meeting at the Council Fire Hall of Eelsetkook, the Wabanaki Confederacy Council has elected the Eleventh Grand Speaker of the Wabanaki: Kaplie'l Bruce. Kaplie'l, prior to his election as Grand Speaker, was the Elected Speaker for the Eskikewaꞌkik/Chedabouctou district.
Kaplie'l is a metis from L'Havre de Chedabucto. He will be the first Grand Speaker to be of mixed Scottish-Wabanaki descent. Spokesperson for the Wabanaki Council Paul Aubin, says the most common reason given by Elected Speakers for their support of Kaplie'l was his record of strong speeches and his extensive knowledge of history; "The council believes Grand Speaker Kaplie'l will not repeat mistakes of the past, while being able to lead with strength into the unknown future".
Following the announcement of his election as Grand Speaker, Kaplie'l made remarks to reporters outside the Council Fire Hall in Eelsetkook:
"I went into my leadership bid with great pride in how far our confederacy of nations has come, and I believe that pride will be with me always. My priority as the new Grand Speaker of the Wabanaki will be to increase our investment in advanced science and technology sectors, as well as improve to the readiness of our nations for the potential of global conflict."
- Claude Gideon, AH Digital Edition
