B’Maakonigan: Name for new central governing body
By Marci Becking
ANISHINABEK NATION TERRITORY— Anishinabek Nation Commissioner on Governance Patrick Madahbee and Anishinaabemowin Commissioner Barb Nolan led a group of Anishinaabemowin speakers and Chiefs at the end of April to find an appropriate name for the new central government body for the First Nations that have signed onto the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement.
The name they chose, B’Maakonigan, loosely translates to “That which guides/supports/encourages.” Anishinabek Nation Head Getzit Richard Assinewai took the name to ceremony at the beginning of May.
“[It also encompasses] the Anishinaabe way of how we did things, how we look after the land, water, our communities,” said Gezit Assinewai. “Our wisdom and knowledge didn’t come from a book. We were given Seven Teachings and Nbwaakaawin (wisdom) is very important. Only wisdom deals with the future. With wisdom, people can create a future rather than just grasp the past. Now that you’ve heard it, you see it and now you’re holding onto it.”
Commissioner Madahbee said that the governing body is to support those communities that have ratified the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement.
“Hopefully someday all the communities will come on board, but for right now, there’s only a small number. It will grow,” said Commissioner Madahbee. “The governing body is a specific standalone entity where the collective can develop governance mechanisms such as an appeals and redress body, which in turn, is the beginning of an Anishinaabe justice system. This means that the First Nations forming B’Maakonigan are at the forefront of developing Anishinaabe government and exercising Anishinaabe law. This is an opportunity for transforming the way we govern. The Indian Act is not our way. By example, these developments and the Intergovernmental Forum with Canada can have benefits for all Anishinabek First Nations. At the end of the day, we’re really talking about the development of these communities from the Anishinaabe lens. It was very important to gather our Anishinaabemowin speakers together to do this since they describe so much more. B’Maakonigan encapsulates how this will support the communities.”
Gimma Kwe Rhonda Williams-Lovett of Moose Deer Point First Nation said that she thought that the name was what they were looking for.
“I have Elder Margo Sawmick sitting with me in my office and she agrees totally with what he’s suggesting.”
Nipissing First Nation Councillor June Commanda said that the word B’Maakonigan was new to her.
Anishinaabemowin Commissioner Nolan and Head Gezit Assinewai discussed how they were going to spell B’Maakonigan, adding that the dialogue surrounding the word is so descriptive, that an entire teaching can come from this.