Mndaadendang Nibi Ekeanjigewat – Honouring our Water Protectors
By Laura Barrios
CHIPPEWAS OF GEORGINA ISLAND FIRST NATION— Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare was pleased to honour the new Anishinabek Nation Chief Water Commissioner, Autumn Peltier, on the first day of the Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Assembly on June 4 in Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. Peltier was appointed to the position of the Anishinabek Nation Chief Water Commissioner on April 26.
“This morning in ceremony, we celebrated and honoured the appointment of Autumn to the highly regarded role of Chief Water Commissioner of the Anishinabek Nation,” stated Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare. “Autumn, on behalf of the Anishinabek Nation, you need to know that we are very proud of you. Chi-miigwetch for accepting the Commissioner role on behalf of our Nation.”
The assembly’s theme – Mndaadendang Nibi Ekeanjigewat (Honouring our Water Protectors)— gave thanks to the previous Anishinabek Nation Chief Water Commissioner, the late Grandmother Josephine Mandamin. Peltier, who is the great-niece of Josephine, was also celebrated for her new position.
“[Autumn’s] dedication to continue the work initiated by Grandmother Josephine is a fine example of youth leading the way,” expressed Grand Council Chief Hare. “The Anishinabek Nation stands strong with all of our water protectors. You do great service to our precious Nibi—miigwetch.”
Peltier, a 14-year-old youth from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island, began her water advocacy journey at the young age of eight-years-old. She has advocated for the water at the United Nation and the Assembly of First Nations, and plans to continue in Grandmother Josephine’s footsteps.
“Auntie began her journey before I was born—I can only hope I can do what she has taught me to do and be as good as she hoped I would be. And I hope she smiles down on the role and work I’m about to carry on,” stated the new Anishinabek Nation Chief Water Commissioner during her remarks. “When I say I’m walking in her footsteps, I may not be on the exact path, but I’m creating my own path. And a path where my great-grandchildren will have clean water, fresh, healthy animals and plants, and fresh, clean nourishment for many more years.”
The Anishinabek Women’s Water Commission was established in 2007. Its mandate is to provide advice for Anishinabek Nation leadership and citizens on water and Great Lakes management issues through dialogue and information exchange. The commission plays a leadership role in raising awareness on all water issues, sharing their traditional knowledge, teachings and values.
To conclude the celebrations, Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare had another announcement to share with leadership and participants of the Grand Council Assembly.
“We would like to honour Josephine and the Water protectors with the Anishinabek Nation declaring April 22 as Great Lakes Day,” states Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare. “This day is to remember and honour Josephine’s work that she has done, and to honour the work that Autumn will be carrying on. This is a time of renewal, a new beginning, and a new life.”
Great Lakes Day to be celebrated on April 22 every year by all in Ontario.