Deputy Grand Chief Hare’s political update for the Anishinabek Nation

Anishinabek Nation Deputy Grand Council Chief Glen Hare.    – Photo by Marci Becking
Anishinabek Nation Deputy Grand Council Chief Glen Hare. – Photo by Marci Becking

Aanii,

The schedule has been busy during 2015. There are several areas that I would like to highlight in the monthly Political update.

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. The next Committee meeting is scheduled for May 4,5, 2015.

I have attended sessions and had the opportunity to present feedback at sessions related to First Nations Representation on Ontario Juries. The Debwewin Jury Roll Implementation Committee is looking at the jury questionnaire and areas to improve the questionnaire. The most recent meeting occurred on March 3 and I presented several recommendations at this meeting.

I have attended several Community Engagement Sessions in various Anishinabek First Nations during the past month. The Community Engagement Sessions are designed to provide information to Chief and Council on the Anishinabek Nation Education structure. I am extremely pleased to see the momentum that has been achieved as ten First Nations have passed Band Council Resolutions approving the initialling of the Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement.

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.

May will be another busy month as we prepare for meetings with the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Minister of Transportation, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, and the Minister of Northern Development and Mines. I look forward to attending the Northern Superior Chiefs meeting in Pic River First Nation on May 12,13.

I have attended the following events recently:

  • Numerous Restoration of Jurisdiction Community Engagement sessions
  • Chiefs Committee on Governance meeting
  • Debwewin Jury Roll Implementation Committee meeting
  • Anishinabek Nation Child Well-Being information session
  • Leadership Council meeting
  • Allocation working group meeting
  • Numerous meetings on behalf or with Anishinabek First Nation leadership

Miigwetch,

Anishinabek Nation Deputy Grand Chief Glen Hare