Political quarterly update: Spring 2025
Ziigwan (Spring) is the time when we welcome the awakening. We begin our journey in the spring, starting in Waabanung (East), which is where all life begins. Each morning, we are reminded of the beauty and power of all creation that is ignited with the rising sun in the east. It is our Grandfather’s reminder to us, the Anishinabek, of the gift of another day he has blessed us with. It is with this reminder, that we will continue to advance Anishinaabe interests and be steadfast with one Anishinaabe voice, and as one Anishinaabe family in advancing our interests and advocacy efforts for all Anishinabek.
It has been a very busy season for the Political Office, travelling throughout the Anishinabek Nation territory. We have had a busy season with numerous meetings, activities, protests, and forums throughout the spring. Our focus has been on engaging with leadership at the regional level and preparing for Grand Council Assembly. This season has presented opportunities for strengthening our relationships in every region, allowing us to bring forward some common priorities to the provincial and federal governments while maintaining the rights-based agenda. The grassroots have said they wanted this from leadership, and they have heard this message. On May 22, Grand Council Chief (GCC) Linda Debassige reminded Ontario of the original relationship, echoed by Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin representatives Scott McLeod and Dean Sayers at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario Standing Committee on the Interior hearings on Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025.
As we ramp up our meetings with Ontario Ministerial partners, we will ensure that our priorities and mandates are at the forefront as we bring those to the appropriate leaders who can work with us to achieve solutions and outcomes for our communities and citizens.
In April, GCC Debassige had the opportunity to bring forward our message to better understand mutual priorities and identify opportunities for collaboration between First Nations and Tribes and municipalities in protecting shared waters and advancing the organization’s strategic pillars. GCC participated in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, which is a multinational coalition of municipal and Indigenous government executives representing communities in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Region that is working to promote economic prosperity and protect our fresh water for the benefit of current and future generations. Water protection has been a top priority for many of our communities, and we have been advocating to amplify this messaging to decision-makers around the Great Lakes Basin.
The ice storm of 2025 resulted in several of our First Nations declaring a state of emergency; six of those were in the Southeast Region. Additionally, 38 municipalities/townships also declared a state of emergency. The Anishinabek Nation Emergency Management staff reached out to our affected communities, and we would like to acknowledge all those who helped out to ensure our communities had what they needed to get through this emergency. Chi-miigwech!
Our annual Anishinaabe Giizhigad that occurs every June 6 will be celebrated by the leadership at the Grand Council Assembly, which takes place in London, Ontario, on the evening of June 3, with a Drum Social. We will also be participating in the upcoming 50th Anniversary – Annual Chiefs of Ontario Annual Assembly on June 17-19, 2025, and the Assembly of First Nations Annual General Assembly in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on July 15-17, 2025.
We look forward to seeing many of you on the pow wow trail. We hope you all have a happy and safe summer season!