Political quarterly update: Summer 2025
The summer season has been a busy one for Anishinabek Nation! It has been very busy for the Political Office, with Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing the Economy Act, and C-5: One Canadian Economy Act, taking up a considerable amount of time and effort throughout the summer. It has been a busy season with numerous meetings, activities, protests, and forums. The focus has been on engaging with leadership to ensure the Anishinabek Nation is prepared to advance the interests of our Nations and be steadfast with one Anishinaabe voice, and as one Anishinaabe family in advancing those interests and advocacy efforts for all Anishinabek.
The Political Office is currently preparing for our regional meetings and the Fall Assembly. There will be an opportunity to strengthen our relationships in every region, and the Political Office will bring forward those priorities to the provincial and federal governments, while ensuring the messaging that our communities are the rights holders and will make any final decisions that may affect them. In spring, Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige reminded Ontario of the original relationship at the Standing Committee Hearings on Bill 5. Now that both Bill 5 and C-5 have passed, our focus has been on ensuring the Anishinabek Nation is prepared with a strategy to address these pieces of legislation prior to being implemented in Anishinabek territories. The vision for this exercise is to assert Anishinabek First Nation leadership in shaping, responding to (through participation or opposition), and ultimately benefiting from all development within Anishinabek First Nation lands. This shift from reactive opposition to proactive co-design or principle opposition is backed by inherent and Treaty rights, jurisdiction, capacity, and our economic readiness.
Anishinabek Nation leadership will ensure that priorities and mandates are front and centre as these are brought forth to the appropriate leaders who can work with us to achieve solutions and outcomes for all of our Anishinabek communities and citizens. The Anishinabek Nation is committed to providing policy alternatives, economic tools, and governance rooted in Anishinaabe teachings. The future of regulation and development in our territories must be built with us and not after us!
We were happy to see the return of the pow wow season in many First Nations. The Grand Council Chief and Deputy Grand Council Chief had the opportunity to visit some of these celebratory events over the summer in various Anishinabek Nation communities. Coming together through dance and song, being around the big drums and sharing stories and meals has had such an uplifting impact on our spirits. Experiencing the joy and happiness of everyone and seeing all the stunning regalia has us feeling such gratitude to be able to return to your communities in this manner.
In the final weeks in August, our Executive Director Brendan Huston, Northern Superior Regional Chief Mel Hardy, and new Director of Policy for the Political Office Mathew Hoppe, undertook several community visits in the Northern Superior Region from August 18-22. They visited Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, Red Rock Indian Band, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg, and Michipicoten First Nation. They also had the opportunity to visit with Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek in Thunder Bay. They appreciated the opportunity to see a bit of each community and meet face-to-face with leadership and senior staff when schedules permitted. Special thanks to Regional Chief Hardy for his guidance and leadership during the visits and to the Anishinabek Nation staff for planning and their logistical support. It was an excellent opportunity to spend time amongst the communities and further relationship-building with our Northern Superior First Nations.
The Fall Grand Council Assembly is scheduled to take place in the Lake Huron Region in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, on November 3-5, 2025. We hope you all have a wonderful fall, enjoy the fall colours, and have a successful harvest!