Anishinabek Nation to host virtual engagement sessions on UNDRIP

July 11, 2022
Shiikenh (turtle) shell. – Photo by Ed Regan

ANISHINABEK NATION TERRITORY—The Anishinabek Nation will be conducting engagement sessions pertaining to the newly enacted United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) Act.

The Anishinabek Nation Legal Department will be hosting 14 virtual sessions to educate and gather feedback about the UNDRIP Act and its articles pertaining to inherent treaty rights. The virtual sessions have been designed to be delivered in a format related to the Anishinaabe traditional teachings of the Dodemaag (Clan) System and their respective functions and responsibilities.

The UNDRIP Act, which came into effect on June 21, 2021, recognizes inherent and treaty rights of Indigenous People and can drive a path forward towards transformative change in regard to greater equality and addressing all forms of racism and discrimination in Canada. The Act establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity, and well-being of Indigenous People of the world regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms. UNDRIP has 46 statements or articles that recognize Indigenous rights to cultural and ceremonial expression, identity, language, employment, health, education, and others. UNDRIP also includes rights to maintain and strengthen Indigenous institutions, cultures, and traditions, and to pursue development in keeping with our needs and aspirations.

The Anishinabek Nation encourages Anishinabek Nation First Nations leadership, staff, and citizens to assist in embarking on changing Indigenous history and paving a way forward towards improving the road ahead for our future generations. Citizens are welcomed to attend the upcoming virtual sessions to bring forward critical feedback and/or matters as they relate to the key aspects of UNDRIP. The Anishinabek Nation will be gathering all feedback provided on what Anishinabek would like to see in Canada’s 10-year action plan and what changes need to happen within federal legislation over the next decade. A report will be submitted to the federal government outlining feedback and identifying priorities of needed federal legislative change.

Virtual engagement sessions will be held via Zoom on the following dates and issues:

  • July 14, 2022: Waabizheshii (Marten) Dodem – Lands and Resources, Mining, Economic Development, Agriculture, and Housing;
  • July 26, 2022: Waawaashkesh (Deer) Dodem – Social Development, Child Well-Being, Child Welfare, and other issues;
  • August 10, 2022: Migizii (Eagle) Dodem – Education, Culture and Language, and other issues;
  • August 24, 2022: Ajijaak (Crane) Dodem – Family Relations, Matrimonial Real Property (MRP), and Youth;
  • September 7, 2022: Shiikenh (Turtle) Dodem – Justice, and Criminal Law;
  • September 21, 2022: Maang (Loon) Dodem – Equality and Discrimination, Wills and Estates, Employment and Labour, Human Rights; and
  • October 5, 2022: Mukwaa (Bear) Dodem – Health, Policing, Military, and other issues.

If you or anyone from your First Nation would like to participate in these sessions or would like to request a separate session, please contact Anishinabek Nation’s Justice Manager Kristy Jones: kristy.jones@anishinabek.ca. Virtual engagement sessions registration available here.

A survey is also available to collect feedback from Anishinabek Nation citizens on UNDRIP. The survey is available here.