Political Quarterly Update: Summer
It has been a beautiful and busy summer season as Anishinabek Nation leadership, E’Dbendaagzijig, and staff have welcomed the new Political Office with a warm embrace. It is an honour to serve our Nation and people and we will continue to work everyday on your behalf. As we usher in a new school year, we want to send our best wishes to all students and teachers returning for another successful school year, and acknowledge all parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, and guardians for your continued support of your children through their educational journey.
Politically, the Executive Council has been very busy within their respective region. The focus for the Political Office has been and continues to be ensuring priority areas within our Dodems are consistently addressed. As we move into the fall, we are working to ensure our systems of Governance are adhered to. We are looking to fill a few vacancies in each of the Nation Council Advisory Councils so that we can continue to fulfill the important and necessary work of each Advisory Council. The renewal of current council members is based on the existing Terms of Reference, which will continue to be evaluated to ensure they are in-line with our system of Governance. We are also looking forward to kicking-off of the inaugural Regional Meetings for this term of office with a focus on community priorities and regional planning.
We also took the opportunity to celebrate an important milestone for one of our Anishinabek Nation Ogiichidaa: the 100th birthday celebration of Justin Roy from M’Chigeeng First Nation. GCC Debassige presented Justin with an Anishinabek Nation Certificate of Achievement. Justin was also presented with some gifts on behalf of all Anishinabek Nation First Nations for his service. Justin took the time to thank those in the audience and he said, “I never expected this honour. These type of celebrations and recognitions are ones that make us Anishinabek and we need to celebrate our veterans throughout the year and not just on Remembrance Day, expressed GCC Debassige.
Throughout the summer, the Anishinabek Nation has been working collaboratively with Red Rock Indian Band at the site of Parks Canada’s intended Lake Superior Administration and Visitor Centre in Nipigon, where remains, later determined to be of Indigenous ancestry, were uncovered. To date, four Indigenous ancestors have been uncovered; however, much of the land was heavily disturbed by the excavation and the remains are currently scattered in unknown locations. An estimated 150 loads of earth were moved and relocated around Nipigon and surrounding areas before Parks Canada realized the extensive amounts of unearthed remains. Red Rock Indian Band and the Anishinabek Nation will continue to advocate for the ancestral burial grounds.
At the Chiefs of Ontario Leadership Council held in Ottawa on August 20, 2024, GCC Debassige and DGC Plain partook in discussions surrounding a resolution for the COO SCA Child Welfare Long-term Reform along with a motion for Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (GGPPA). Other updates included Water Legislation, Mining Task Force, Land Policy Reform, Chiefs Committee on Housing and Infrastructure, and Off-Reserve Distinctions Based Housing Funding.
On August 21, GGC Debassige joined the Anishinabe Nation Treaty Authority and Anishinabek Nation B’Maakonigan at the Anishinabek Nation Head Office. This Nation-to-Nation engagement session with Treaty 4 was an exchange of information to help one another advance governance in our respective nation.
At the Leadership Council retreat on August 21, 2024, the U.S. Consul General Baxter Hunt met with the Anishinabek Nation Leadership Council at the Anishinabek Nation Head Office. As the most senior U.S. representative in Ontario, U.S. Consul General Hunt came to build a relationship with the Anishinabek Nation. The U.S. Ambassador to Canada is the personal representative of the President in conducting official relations between the two countries. When the Ambassador engages in negotiations, initiates a policy, delivers an address, or takes part in ceremonies, they does so on behalf of the President. The Anishinabek Nation welcomed the U.S. Consul General and discussed many key priorities including border crossing issues and consultation and accommodation requirements when in Anishinabek territories.
The fall Anishinabek Nation Fall Assembly is scheduled for October 29-30, 2024; however, the location is currently not yet determined.
As we transition into this new season, we will ensure the priorities and mandates are achieved in collaboration with all involved in making this our priority for our Nation. We understand that community work never stops, and some members of the Executive Council had the opportunity to visit communities to both support work and celebrate momentous achievements.
Meetings and Events of note attended by Grand Council Chief Debassige this quarter:
June 9-13 Chiefs of Ontario Assembly – ORC Election and COO Leadership Council Meeting
June 14 Staff Visit at Anishinabek Nation Head Office in Nipissing First Nation
June 17 Attendance with Red Rock First Nation – visit to ancestors at Nipigon; Visit with Namaygoosisagagun Office in Thunder Bay with Kyle McLaurin (with Northern Superior Regional Chief Mel Hardy)
June 18 Attendance and remarks at Josephine Mandamin-baa Canada Post Stamp unveiling – Thunder Bay
June 19 Visit in Netmizaaggaming First Nation Deputy Chief and Councillors – Community Priorities – Wellness, Policing, ATR, Fishing issues
June 20 Visit in Michipicoten with Chief Pat Tangie – Community Tour
June 22 Attendance at Aamjiwnaang Powwow – Community Visit and Tour with DGCC
June 25 Attendance at North Bay Retirement of Glenda St. Amour (Long Time Finance Manager AN)
June 27 Attendance at Great Lakes Sustainable Growth Forum – Toronto Meeting with Minister Guilbeault, Water Advocacy
July 2-4 In North Bay on July 3rd meeting with Provincial Minister Hon. Graydon Smith and signing of MOU
July 5 Meeting with Head Getzid Richard Assinewai and Nookmis Donna Debassige
July 6 Attendance at Anishinabek Educational Institute Convocation, North Bay
July 7 AFN Policing Taskforce meeting Montreal, AFN CCOHI Meeting Montreal
July 8 Presentation at AFN Policing Dialogue Session Montreal; Meeting with ORC Benedict and RDG Michael O’Byrne
July 9 Attendance at COO Leadership Council Meeting
July 10 Presentation in Assembly – Justice and Policing Presentation in AFN Assembly
July 17 Health Transformation Working Group RAMA
July 18 Meeting with Residential Schools Missing Children Canada Update; AN Leadership Council Meeting (evening)
July 19 AN Leadership Council Meeting
July 22-26 Bereavement – but many internal mtgs re: Management Committee and CEO departure discussions
July 29 Travel to Sault Ste. Marie for Survivors’ Gathering
July 30 Attendance and remarks at Survivors’ Gathering
July 31 Attendance at Biigtigong Nishnaabeg and Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg Treaty Day Celebration
August 1 Attendance at Survivors’ Gathering and meeting with Special Interlucor Kim Murray
August 2 Attendance at Wiikwemkoong Cultural Festival – Guest Judge for Amatuer and Professional Chef Competition
August 3-4 Attendance at Wiikwemkoong Cultural Festival
August 6-8 Attendance at Anishinabek Nation Caring Community Meeting
August 8 Attendance at OPP and First Nation Police Graduation Ceremony
August 9 Internal Discussion Water Commission
August 19 Attendance at Justin Roy’s 100th Birthday Party – LC Legion
August 20 Attendance at COO Leadership Council Meeting and travel to North Bay
August 21-23 Leadership Council Retreat, AN Office
August 24/25 Attendance at Rama Powwow
August 27 Virtual attendance AN Child Well Being Working Group (DGCC)
August 29 AN Evening of Excellenc
August 30 Attendance at Canadian Armed Forces Grey Wolf Graduation – Address Anishinabek Nation First Nation Graduates, Meaford, ON.
September 1-2 Attendance at M’Chigeeng First Nation Traditional Powwow
Upcoming Events and Meetings:
September 8-9 Robinson Huron Treaty Gathering, Atikameksheng Anishinabek
Anishinabek Nation Regional meetings:
September 29 Commemoration of 10th Anniversary of Indian Residential School monument, Anishinabek Nation Head Office
October 17-19 Anishinabek Nation 9th Annual Health Conference Sault Ste. Marie
October 29-30 Anishinabek Nation Fall Assembly Location TBD
October 24-26 Economic Development Summit Chippewas of Rama First Nation
November 4-9 Treaties Recognition Week