Political Quarterly Update: Winter 2025

Biboon (Winter) is upon us, and we give thanks for another year as we begin our journey around our Grandfather again. We give thanks as the daylight hours are becoming longer and we are reminded of warmer days ahead. It is during this season that we need to honour our ancestors, share stories, and hold ceremonies. It is the time to reflect upon all that the master of life has bestowed upon us and begin to prepare for the Ziigwan (Spring) awakening. We are also preparing as we have always done for what may come in the year. Despite this perceived uncertainty, we will be ready to deal with anything that may come our way from any new Federal or Provincial Government. We will continue to advance our interests and be steadfast with one Anishinaabe voice in advancing our rights-based agenda for all Anishinabek.

In the previous season, our Anishinabek leadership advocated for and saw a significant focus on unity within our Nation, Anishinabek Nation governance, child welfare reform for First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS Program), and community well-being, including multiple Leadership Council meetings, strategic planning sessions, health, and economic development initiatives. Advocacy efforts included meetings with government officials and community meetings. These meetings involved various stakeholders including the Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Reconciliation (IAFNER), and different Anishinabek community and Leadership Councils. They aimed to address pressing issues relevant to our Anishinabek communities, enhance intergovernmental relationships, strategize on leadership advocacy, and address various legislative reforms and initiatives.

Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige and Deputy Grand Council Chief Chris Plain attended many events throughout the past two seasons, including a three-day event aimed at strengthening collaboration with ISC. Key discussions revolved around programming, resource allocation, and community engagement strategies. The event featured multiple workshops aimed at enhancing the understanding of mutual priorities.

Another event worth noting was a symposium held in Toronto, which featured a keynote address and panel discussions focused on energy sustainability and development initiatives. The dialogues fostered a collaborative environment where participants could share insights on energy resource management, policy implications, investments, and community impacts.

Some of the most significant events attended by members of the Anishinabek Nation Leadership Council this year were the various Remembrance Day celebrations to honour the sacrifices of our Anishinabek in past conflicts. These commemorative events were held across different Anishinabek Nation communities, emphasizing the significance of remembrance within our communities.

The annual Chiefs of Ontario assembly held in Thunder Bay was crucial for sharing knowledge and setting agendas for the upcoming year. It gathered Chiefs and community representatives to discuss pressing issues such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Commitment to collaborative governance, advocacy for our Anishinabek rights, and further strategic planning for sustainable community development and the upcoming elections was demonstrated throughout the series of meetings from November 2024 to January 29, 2025. As issues surrounding health transformation, environmental concerns, energy security, additions to reserve, and youth empowerment were brought to the forefront, ongoing dialogues and engagements within each region are set to foster progress in these crucial areas. The responses and strategies developed during these meetings will pave the way for further advocacy on these communities’ priorities going forward.