Anishinabek Nation leadership Fall update

September 11, 2017
Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee.
Anishinabek Nation Deputy Grand Council Chief Glen Hare

Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee and Deputy Grand Council Chief Glen Hare had the opportunity this summer to meet with Anishinabek citizens all over the territory on the pow-wow trail.

There were a number of First Nation elections held with some brand new Chief and Councils.  Grand Chief and Deputy did community orientation sessions with these newcomers to get them up to speed on Anishinabek Nation priorities.

August 16 was a historic day for the Anishinabek Nation.  23 First Nation signed the Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement with Canada and the Master Education Agreement with Ontario in Chippewas of Rama First Nation.  The effective date for the Anishinabek Education System is April 1, 2018.

The Evening of Excellence held by the Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity followed the signing event that evening. The 2017 Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award recipients included:

  • Stanley Benoit, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation
  • Irene Helen Castonguay, Whitefish River First Nation
  • The Late Marcia L. Cooper, Munsee-Delaware Nation
  • Judy Corbiere, Aundeck Omni Kaning
  • Sophie Corbiere, M’Chigeeng First Nation
  • The Late Dianna “Ruth” Couchie, Nipissing First Nation
  • Pamela Crowe, Alderville First Nation
  • The Late John M. Debassige, M’Chigeeng First Nation
  • James R. Marsden, Alderville First Nation
  • Esther Osche, Whitefish River First Nation
  • The Late Merle Pegahmagabow, Wasauksing First Nation
  • Georgina Recollet, Whitefish River First Nation
  • Murray Shawnoo Jr., Kettle & Stony Point First Nation
  • Alvin Wolfe, Kettle & Stony Point First Nation

Deputy Hare attended the Child Well-Being Working Group meeting in Long Lake #58 in mid-July.  There are six First Nations with Band Council Resolutions to adopt the Child Well-Being Law in their community.  Effective date is April 1, 2018. For more information on the Child Well-Being Law visit anishinabek.ca.

Grand Council Chief visited Georgina Island First Nation to discuss the York Region Sewage issue.

Deputy Hare attended the Federal Laws and Policy Review meeting in Ottawa.  This will directly affect First Nations in how communities will be managed. There will be a follow-up meeting in December.

The health department at the Anishinabek Nation hosted the Youth Summit on August 29-30 in Springwater Park in Beausoleil First Nation traditional territory.  Scott Chisholm, Life Promotion, delivered a workshop with the theme of training on suicide and mental health – bringing awareness that can save lives.  He used photography and art to initiate discussion with youth on sharing stories about suicide.  Dr. Brenda Restoule was the keynote speaker on youth and addictions.  Joseph Pitawanakwat presented on traditional medicines.  Kole Peplinskie presented on the theme of colonialism, intergenerational trauma and the effects on the two-spirit youth.  “The youth are our warriors and must continue the good fight,” said Grand Council Chief Madahbee at the Youth Summit.