Chief apologizes, steps away from missing women portfolio over photo

GATINEAU, Que. – One of British Columbia’s top-ranking First Nations leaders is apologizing after posting a sexualized photo to social media that he acknowledges “offended many people.”

Shane Gottfriedson, B.C.’s regional chief for the Assembly of First Nations, said Tuesday he was stepping down as the assembly’s point person on the missing and murdered indigenous women portfolio.

He told a special meeting of chiefs that the post — a picture of his bare legs with a wide-eyed emoji wearing red lipstick near his groin — was not his finest moment.

“The photo was incredibly insensitive and I apologize,” Gottfriedson said in a statement. “I am truly sorry.”

The picture doesn’t reflect his view of women, nor does it reduce his commitment to missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, he added.

Gottfriedson said he spoke to National Chief Perry Bellegarde directly about the matter.

Bellegarde hugged Gottfriedson after he apologized to the meeting.

The organization has yet to indicate who will replace Gottfriedson in the portfolio.

Hearings are expected to begin early next year to examine the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women.