Dear Lord, we come before You today and lift up Brian Francis, a Canadian Mi’kmaq leader who served as Chief of the Abegweit First Nation from 2007 to 2018, when he was appointed to the Senate. He was the first Mi’kmaq from PEI to be appointed to the Senate and has served on committees that have contributed to meaningful change. We pray that he will continue in his role to make a difference for his people across Canada. May his walk be with You, Lord, and may he recognize that his calling is for this purpose—to bring the voices of his people to the floor of the Senate. We pray all of this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Senator Brian Francis was appointed to the Senate of Canada on October 11, 2018, becoming the first person of Mi’kmaq descent from Prince Edward Island to serve in this role. He brings 40 years of combined government experience, including work as Aboriginal Coordinator with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans from 2002 to 2007. Coming from a fishing family, he used his expertise to support PEI First Nations in implementing fisheries funding agreements. He was also a signatory to the Canada/PEI/Mi’kmaq Partnership and Consultation Agreements, which established frameworks for consultation on actions affecting Aboriginal and treaty rights. From 2007 to 2018, Francis served as Chief and Band Administrator of the Abegweit Mi’kmaq Nation. During his tenure, he advanced education, employment, and infrastructure projects, including a hatchery, water tower, paving, and housing developments. He lives near Charlottetown with his wife, Georgina, and together they are proud parents and grandparents.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]