Former Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo. Photo from Twitter

Shawn Atleo resigned as chief of the Assembly of First Nations on Friday.

Atleo came under fire for his support of the First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act. Most Native leaders and activists oppose the bill, saying it was drafted without their consent.

"I have fought for this work and to achieve this mandate. This work is too important and I am not prepared to be an obstacle to it or a lightning rod distracting from the kids and their potential. I am therefore, today resigning as national chief," Atleo said at a press conference.

The announcement came as a surprise to most Native leaders.

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Shawn Atleo resigns as AFN national chief (CBC 5/2)
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