A group of University of Saskatchewan students gathered around a large screen at the Aboriginal Students Centre on Wednesday to see the new Assembly of First Nation chief elected.

"I think it's very important that all first nations people follow this because it does have a huge effect on what the national policy is going to look like for the next three years," said political science student, Max FineDay.

After three rounds of voting, Shawn Atleo was re-elected as Chief of the Assembly of First Nations with 60 per cent of the votes.

"I'd just like to continue seeing that dialogue between non-first nations Canadians and First Nations Canadians because I think that's really where we need to go -- try to get more allies in the non-first-nations community," FineDay said.

Student Jack Saddleback is also pleased to see Atleo re-elected.

"I think he's been able to subdue some of the tensions that have been built over the years with non-aboriginal communities."

"It's tremendously important for me as a young aboriginal person to be involved with politics within my community across Canada and just being up to date on what's happening," Saddleback said.

Pam Paulmater, one of four female candidates, came in second place. It was the first time in AFN history that the number of female candidates matched them number of male candidates.

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