Today, The Globe and Mail's Bill Curry reported Assembly of First Nations leadership candidate Bill Wilson "could have a chance" at incumbent Phil Fontaine if he is seen as being closer to the Conservatives. Mr. Curry noted "Ken Thomas, who chaired the Tory aboriginal caucus during the Mulroney years, is working on Mr. Wilson's campaign." And now it has come to our attention that former Non-Partisan Association board member Alex Tsakumis and Stephen Rogers, who ran for the party in Vancouver Quadra during the past two election, will be co-hosting a wine and cheese reception for the outspoken lawyer at the Pan Pacific Vancouver. But, in an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Tsakumis said his support for Mr. Wilson has nothing to do with Mr. Fontaine's tight relationship with the previous Liberal administration in Ottawa. Instead, the Conservative cardholder explained "I was asked by a mutual friend of Bill's and mine if I would be will to co-host the event. I've met the chief a few times in the past. And I'm an admirer of his tenacity and the forthright manner in which he conducts his affairs. And I was happy to be a co-host." The following is a complete copy of the invite to that event.

-----Original Message-----
From: tricia foxx
Sent: 10 July 2006 10:10
Subject: Chief Bill Wilson

Hi Friends,

On Monday July 10 from 6-9pm please join me in attending a wine and cheese reception for Chief Bill Wilson. This event is co-hosted by Stephen Rogers and Alex Tsakumis. It will be held in the Topaz Suite at the Pan Pacific hotel.

Chief Wilson is running for the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). Many of the Chiefs across Canada began arriving this morning and we hope many of them will be stopping by.

So my apologies for this late note to you.

Cheers

Jamie Lee