Anishinaabe Anokiiwin Aanokiitoojig/Chiefs Committee on Governance update

April 25, 2013
Participants in Chiefs Committee on Governance discussions; Back row, left: Curve Lake Councillor Keith Knott, Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve Giimaa Duke Peltier, Alderville Chief James R. Marsden (Vice Chair), Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee, Deputy Grand Council Chief Glen Hare, Elder Gordon Waindubence, Munsee Delaware Nation Chief Patrick Waddilove. Front row, left: Elder Mike Esquega Sr., Chiefs Committee on Governance Coordinator Esther Gilbank, Pic Mobert First Nation Johanna Desmoulin. Missing: Aamjiwnaang Chief Chris Plain and Serpent River Chief Isadore Day (Chair).
Participants in Chiefs Committee on Governance discussions; Back row, left: Curve Lake Councillor Keith Knott, Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve Giimaa Duke Peltier, Alderville Chief James R. Marsden (Vice Chair), Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee, Deputy Grand Council Chief Glen Hare, Elder Gordon Waindubence, Munsee Delaware Nation Chief Patrick Waddilove. Front row, left: Elder Mike Esquega Sr., Chiefs Committee on Governance Coordinator Esther Gilbank, Pic Mobert First Nation Johanna Desmoulin. Missing: Aamjiwnaang Chief Chris Plain and Serpent River Chief Isadore Day (Chair).

By Esther Gilbank

THUNDER BAY — The Chiefs Committee on Governance has welcomed two new members — Lake Huron representative Ogimaa Duke Peltier, Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, and Northern Superior representative Chief Johanna Desmoulin, Pic Mobert First Nation.

The return of former Curve Lake Chief, Councillor Keith Knott, Southeast region, has been very well-received.   The committee expressed how grateful they are that these leaders have decided to bring their experience in leadership to the table.

Analysis of Canada’s Education Fiscal Offer and Fiscal Transfer Agreement Negotiation proposal was discussed at the March meeting, and the committee directed the Education Fiscal Negotiator to develop a revised Anishinabek fiscal proposal to Canada.  At their January meeting the Chiefs Committee had directed that a strategy be developed to support the fiscal negotiations to gain additional funding for the Anishinabek Education System (AES).

Martin Bayer, Chief Negotiator on Governance, said the Anishinabek are negotiating Self-Government agreements with Canada that will recognize our power to enact laws in the area of governance and education.

Discussions addressed the Commissioner on Governance position. The committee expressed the need to have a qualified person to fill the position by preparing the terms of reference and budget for review which will be presented to Grand Council for endorsement.

The next meeting of the Chiefs Committee on Governance will be May 22 & 23rd in Aamjiwnaang First Nation. For more information please contact Esther Gilbank, Chiefs Committee on Governance Coordinator at esther.gilbank@anishinabek.ca. http://www.anishinabek.ca/roj/index.asp