Celebrating June 6, the Anishinabek’s national holiday
By Mary Laronde
ANISHINABEK NATION TERRITORY — The Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigewin was ratified by the Anishinabek Nation Chiefs-in-Assembly in Sheguiandah First Nation on June 6, 2012. It was confirmed by a Pipe Ceremony. It is a sacred commitment by Anishinabek to the Creator to live by Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe and implement our traditional governance.
“We should celebrate on June 6. That is our national holiday, not June 21,” advises Anishinabek Nation Head Getzit, Shiikenh Gordon Waindubence.
We have our Anishinabek Nation Eagle Staff, our Sacred Bundle, and our Sacred Gifts, our Ceremonies (culture), and our Language, which we have been told many, many times, is the key and the foundation for Anishinabek. Our Elders have instructed us.
The proclamation of the Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigewin marked a historic moment for the Anishinabek Nation. It is a commitment, with the support of the people to establish a traditional government that will develop laws and policies for the protection and the betterment of Anishinabek.
The Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigewin was developed through consultation with Anishinabek First Nations leaders and citizens over a period of 13 years. The consultations included Dodemaag teachings by Head Getzit Shiikenh as Anishinabek First Nation community members had requested.
In 2011, a two-day constitutional convention, with approximately 125 elected leaders and citizens participating, was held to draft the document, clause by clause.
The draft Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigewin was presented to the Chiefs-in-Assembly at the 2011 Grand Council. The Chiefs approved the Preamble, Ngo Dwe Waangizid, and mandated a further year of consultations, directing that the Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigewin be brought back to the Chiefs-in-Assembly in June 2012, where it was proclaimed on June 6th.
“We have just witnessed something incredible and historic. It is a testament to the will and desire that Anishinaabe people have to move forward,” said then Grand Council Chief, Patrick Madahbee. “Everything we do as a Nation, from here on out, will come from a position of strength that cannot be contested.”
The motion to accept the resolution proclaiming the document as the Nation’s constitution was moved by Lake Huron Regional Chief Isadore Day and seconded by Curve Lake First Nation Chief Keith Knott, who spoke with passion in support of the resolution.
“It is time for us to stand up and be accounted, and it is time for us to stand up for what we believe in,” exclaimed Chief Knott. “If we do this now, our children won’t have to struggle anymore.”
Traditionally, summer was the time for gathering the Anishinaabe Clans. Large councils were held at Bawaating to make important political decisions for the well-being of the Anishinabek, the Nation. It was also a time to celebrate, sing, dance, arrange marriages, and visit our relatives.
All was done according to protocols, rules, order, ceremonies. In the Anishinaabe worldview, Spirit is always recognized. Every day at sunrise, we are instructed to say miigwetch for all the gifts provided by the Spirit, Creator, and the Earth, Mother.
Today, we remember. Our Elders instruct Anishinabek to always remember who we are and to conduct our lives according to the Laws the Creator has given us. These instructions are laid out in Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe, One Anishinaabe Family.
On June 6th we celebrate and everyday we remember who we are and we give thanks to the Creator for providing everything Anishinabek need:
- Creator placed Anishinaabe on the earth along with the gift of spirituality.
- Here on Mother Earth, there were gifts given to the Anishinaabe to look after; fire, water, earth and wind.
- The Creator also gave the Anishinaabe seven sacred gifts to guide them. They are Love, Truth, Respect, Wisdom, Humility, Honesty and Bravery.
- Creator gave us sovereignty to govern ourselves.
- We respect and honour the past, present and future.