Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY) said Tuesday that Phil Fontaine, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), has been appointed to a second three-year term as special advisor to RBC.

Fontaine will continue to support RBC’s business development priorities, provide advice and counsel on business matters affecting Aboriginal Peoples and act as a representative in support of sponsorships and donations.

“Over the past three years, Phil Fontaine has been instrumental in helping RBC deepen its relationship with Aboriginal communities,” said Chinyere Eni, national director, Aboriginal Markets, RBC. “Recognizing Aboriginal rights and respecting cultural differences makes good business sense and we are optimistic that, with Phil’s guidance, our relationship will continue to grow stronger and stronger.”

Since Fontaine began his first term as special advisor in September 2009, he has been involved in many of RBC’s key corporate citizenship and sponsorship initiatives, including the RBC Blue Water Project and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Fontaine was recently appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions on behalf of First Nations and his involvement in the resolution of claims arising from the legacy of Indian residential schools.