Working groups support Self-Government Negotiation Tables

By Dave Shawana
The Governance Working Group (GWG) met in Sault Ste. Marie on March 19 and 20 to conclude its 2012-2013 workplan and this year’s discussions on determining costs associated with the structures and functions of the Anishinabek Nation central government, as envisioned by the Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigewin – the Anishinabek Nation constitution, – that was ratified by the June 2012 Anishinabek Grand Council.
The 2012-2013 workplan consisted of four GWG meetings to support the Governance Negotiation Table in identifying an adequate amount of funds to operate the Anishinabek Nation Government.
These costs and negotiated amounts will become part of the Fiscal Transfer Agreement (FTA), the funding agreement required to support the Governance Final Agreement (GFA).
Similarly, the Education Working Group (EWG) met on three separate occasions with the Education Main Table in order to support and provide input into finalizing details of the Education Final Agreement (EFA) and to review Canada’s fiscal offer under the Education Fiscal Transfer Agreement (EFTA). The EWG also provided input and support for the First Nations consultation process on a Strategic Plan to Implement the Anishinabek Education System, as mandated by the June 2012 Grand Council.
In the fiscal year ahead, both the GWG and EWG are moving forward with active workplans. The GWG will be continuing its support of the Anishinabek Governance Main Table and continuing its fiscal research activities to determine the costs required to support the Anishinabek Nation Government. Also, the GWG will develop and implement a detailed communications strategy to increase awareness among First Nation leaders and citizens about the Governance Final Agreement.
The EWG will now assist the Anishinabek Nation’s Education Negotiation Table in its analysis of Canada’s fiscal offer attached to the Education Final Agreement. The EWG will also assist in bringing this analysis of Canada’s fiscal offer forward to First Nations for their review and to explain what the fiscal offer means to each First Nation.
The Governance Working Group and the Education Working Group consist of representatives appointed by the 39 First Nations that are part of the Anishinabek Nation. Both working groups are mandated to support their respective self-government negotiation tables by bringing First Nation issues forward for consideration in the negotiation of the self-government agreements with Canada.  The working groups also serve to ensure that their leadership and citizens become informed and consulted on the two Final Agreements. If First Nations are interested in finding more about the working groups or the on-going negotiations, please contact Dave Shawana, at the Union of Ontario Indians head office, (705) 497-9127, ext. 2257 , e-mail shadav@anishinabek.ca or visit http://www.anishinabek.ca/roj/index.asp