Indigenous government: Why there’s an Indian Act chief and traditional grand chief

New Brunswick·Ann’s EyeChief Allan Polchies of Sitansisk (St. Mary’s) First Nation and Grand Chief Ron Tremblay describe their different roles.Colonialism disrupted traditional Indigenous leadership structures CBC News · Posted: Sep 14, 2025 5:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: 3 hours agoGrand Chief Ron Tremblay, left, and Sitansisk (St. Mary’s) Chief Allan Polchies. (Ann Paul/CBC)This is part of a series called Ann’s Eye, featuring the work of Ann Paul, a Wolastoqey content creator. You can see more Ann’s Eye pieces by clicking here.Centuries after the first colonists disrupted traditional forms of Indigenous governance and leadership, communities are bringing them back. Ron Tremblay, also known as Spasaqit Possesom, is currently the traditional grand chief of the Wolastoq Grand Council, a role that reappeared in New Brunswick in the late 20th century. Out of two names and after a long deliberation, clan grandmothers selected him to become grand chief in 2016, and he’s served in that role ever since.His role as grand chief is different from the role of a band-elected chief, such as the position held by Sitansisk (St. Mary’s) First Nation Chief Allan Polchies. Watch each video to learn more about the two different roles. WATCH | How Ron Tremblay became grand chief:  Oral history: How the ‘grand chief’ returned to New BrunswickColonialism and systemic racism erased many aspects of traditional Indigenous government, including the role of grand chief. Traditional Wolastoqewi Grand Chief Ron Tremblay takes us through how that role returned to New Brunswick’s First Nations. WATCH | How the Indian Act chief and grand chief work together to fight colonialism: Indigenous government: the role of an Indian Act chiefSitansisk (St. Mary’s First Nation) Chief Allan Polchies explains how his role as an Indian Act chief is different from the role of a grand chief.Ann’s EyePhotographer Ann Paul brings an Indigenous lens to stories from First Nations communities across New Brunswick. Click here or on the image below to see more of her work.