Anishinabek Nation takes step towards self-governance

The Anishinabek Nation is moving towards self-governance by preparing to adopt their Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigewin constitution this coming June.
The Anishinabek Nation is also close to education and governance agreements with the federal government.
“We have many historic moments approaching and we will not fail our people,” said Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee, who described the Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigewin as a stepping stone that will guide the Nation’s path to self-governance.
In addition, the Chiefs Committee on Governance said it is important for citizens to be aware of the education and governance agreements being negotiated with Canada, which are also building blocks for Anishinabek First Nations self-governance.
“These agreements herald a new relationship with Canada and begin a gradual shift out of the
education and election sections of the Indian Act and instead, provide a foundation to ensure that our children will enjoy better success rates in school and improve the lives of our people,” Madahbee said. “What’s more, self-governance has proven its capacity to foster greater economic development opportunities and help create much needed jobs for our communities.”
The Chiefs Committee on Governance issued the message on April 18 to ensure Anishinabek citizens are confident in their leadership’s commitment and dedication to self-governance.
“The magnitude and the weight of this process are tremendous,” said Serpent River Chief Isadore Day, chair of the Chiefs Committee on Governance. “The relationship that we are rebuilding with Canada is about partnership and improving the quality of life for Anishinabek, and that cannot be undervalued.”
The Anishinabek Nation has been negotiating with the federal government for the restoration of jurisdiction over education since 1995. During this time, First Nation education professionals designed the Anishinabek Education System to meet the needs of First Nations and to help increase the success rates of children in schools. Relationships were also established with Ontario and other education partners.
The Anishinabek Nation said it is ready to implement the Anishinabek Education System and is awaiting Canada’s response to its fiscal proposal to complete the negotiation process.
“It is evident to our leadership that our Nation is capable of administrating our own education system and our own government – we’ve known this for a long time and now we are ready to make it happen,” Madahbee said.
The Anishinabek Nation’s main Governance Final Agreement is also near completion and fiscal negotiations to finance the Anishinabek Nation government and First Nations governments are underway.