Anishinabek Nation political update from Deputy Grand Council Chief Glen Hare

Aanii,

2015 is off to a busy start. There are several areas that I would like to highlight in the monthly Political update.

I was extensively involved in the planning for the Gathering for the Families of the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls. This event was successfully planned and carried out on February 10,11,12. I would like to commend the Ontario First Nation Women’s caucus for the work that was completed on this important initiative. There will be a report issued form the report. I look forward to reviewing the recommendations in the report.

I have been appointed as the Chair of the Ontario First Nation Housing Steering Committee. The Committee is mandated to protect and maintain Aboriginal and Treaty Rights to housing, provide technical and political advice, recommendations and strategies to the Regional Chief, Chiefs of Ontario Political Confederacy and Chiefs-in-Assembly on all matters pertaining to First Nations housing related issues. I have served on the Committee for the past six years and I look forward to continue working on the Committee as the Chair.

I was pleased to attend the Grand Opening of the new branch office of Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services. This event was held in Sudbury on January 23. This was a major step for Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services as they work towards their designation to assume responsibility of child welfare services. Phase 1 includes the provision of services to its members from the seven First Nation communities within the Districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin. We congratulate Kina Gbezhgomi for this significant achievement.

I have had the opportunity to work with the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council as one of the Portfolio holders for Youth with the Chiefs of Ontario. The Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council is the official youth voice for First Nations in Ontario. Established in 2004 by the Chiefs in Assembly, we are mandated to be a unified voice for First Nations youth on all matters related to youth affairs. It is very satisfying to work with the Youth on their many initiatives.

I have attended the following events recently:

• Chiefs Committee on Governance meetings
• Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council planning session
• Prescription Drug Use/Mis-Use Training
• Gathering for the Families of the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls
• Regional Chiefs meetings
• Numerous meetings on behalf or with Anishinabek First Nation leadership
• Restoration of Jurisdiction Chief and Council Information Sessions

Miigwetch,

Deputy Grand Chief Glen Hare