Anishinabek Nation Executive Council shares parting words as political term comes to a close

The past three years have been an extraordinary experience. It is a tremendous honour to represent our people and to be a part of a unified effort to improve the quality of life for Anishinabek citizens in this capacity. There have been many accomplishments over the course of this political term and it has been exhilarating to be a part of this immense effort. We have learned what can be accomplished when we work together.

The Anishinabek Nation strives to foster a governance structure that supports the advocacy needs of the Chiefs and Councils in our communities. The reclamation of our original governance structures is something that we have been aiming towards for many generations. Identifying how to address priority areas utilizing elements of our dodem system has been a fundamental step towards these efforts. It is exciting to envision the direction our governance system can grow into when we continue to nurture the implementation of our original ways into this modern context.

Leadership takes many forms and there are many layers within our existing governance structures to work within. The myriad of roles are all important components in decision-making and representing the best interests of the people we serve. We find that one of the keys to success is how we can best utilize our power of representation. Our ability to self determine how we distribute and leverage representation is one of our greatest strengths. We can ensure efficiency and flexibility to evolve the way we do things when it is necessary. We should always want to lean into the evolution of how we do things. Approaches will always need to be refined as each new generation leads the way into the future.

The new term will see that we are evolving our governance structure to better reflect the needs of our Chiefs and Councils and the communities they work for. How we utilize resources and funding will require strategic methodologies as we forecast a changing political landscape. It is more important than ever to continue standing our ground and asserting our rights and jurisdiction. Even the most friendliest of governments have proven to present barriers to the solutions and outcomes we desperately need. The threat of the societal shift we have seen of late is providing us with a snapshot of what may be in store for us as Anishinaabe. We may have to learn how to do more with less, but our strength lies in our ability to unite and collectively mobilize.

Our teachings hold so much power. The Anishinabek Nation stands on the pillar of our original ways as Anishinaabe, and is deeply rooted in the notion of nationhood, self-determination, and unity. The organization has an integral responsibility to be a resounding voice for the leadership we work for. It is our job to have their backs and ensure that their voices are heard at the larger tables and higher levels of government.  The Chief and Councils of our communities live within stressful and oftentimes, very harsh realities as they protect the best interests of their communities. We are proud to represent and amplify their proposed solutions and work towards achieving tangible and sustainable outcomes.

The leadership and the team at the Anishinabek Nation have been steadfast in their work. I have been in awe, watching the Deputies in meetings and admired their ability to work with our government counterparts with respect and grace, yet still maintaining a sense of intensity and vigor in delivery of their messages. I have been blown away by the skills and expertise of the hard working technicians and the dedication from each sector in achieving the critical mandates that are provided to them.

Regardless of who the chosen representatives are, as political terms end and begin, there is an immensely strong foundation to build upon at the Anishinabek Nation. Our organization has already existed the past seven generations, and coming this far is something that we should all be proud of. I look forward to seeing this organization continue to grow, evolve, and foster our communities in their plight to build healthy, strong, and sustainable communities.

I would like to thank the Deputies and team at the Anishinabek Nation for their commitment and dedication. Together, we were able to accomplish so much over the last three years.

Miigwech,

Kaawingey, Reg Niganobe
Grand Council Chief

Regional Deputy Grand Council Chiefs Messages:

It has been an honour for me to represent the Anishinabek Nation over the last 16 years. I am humbled to have held the role of Southeast Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief for two terms and prior to that, I was elected into the Regional Chief for the Southeast Region role, which I held for 10 years. It has been a very busy time and there has always been a lot going on in our region. During this time, I also received my Spirit Name, Minomaazo, bestowed upon me by our respected Elder Gordon Waindubence-baa. I had many goals and worked towards outcomes with the Chiefs and Councils of the Southeast region. My biggest wish is to see a toll exemption on the 407 highways; I am of the strong opinion that we should not have to pay to cross our own territory. I do, however, hope this issue will stay on the forefront for our citizens of the Anishinabek Nation.

As a Deputy Grand Council Chief, I held all the issues within my portfolio close to my heart and always spoke to these issues to the best of my ability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our whole team stepped up to the plate to keep issues going and continued to provide support to our communities. I am very proud to have been a part of that effort.

For me, it’s a sad time leaving the Anishinabek Nation. I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing leaders and staff along the way; however,  I have also been involved for a long time and I have opened the doors for leaders of the younger generations and keep my foot in the door as a helper and Knowledge Keeper for our area.

Miigwech,

Jimbob (Minomaazo) Marsden
Southeast Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief

I am very humbled to have held the role of Northern Superior Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief for the past three years. It has been an honour to work towards the best interests of all 39 First Nations and advancing outcomes on our shared issues. Working with the Chiefs and Councils in the region has been an inspiring experience. It is truly remarkable to see the dedication and love that our leaders have for their communities and it has been a privilege to support them.

I look forward to seeing the great work of the Anishinabek Nation continue to evolve. There are many exciting things happening and the team is dedicated to achieving the priorities our leaders have identified. During my time, I have seen how priorities such as health transformation and lands and resources have advanced their approaches to better meet the needs of our communities. I am very proud to have worked with this incredible team.

I want to leave these sentiments because it perfectly encapsulates our ability to be resilient and persevere over the challenges put in front of our paths:

Hold on to what is good,
Even if it’s a handful of earth.
Hold on to what you believe,
Even if it’s a tree that stands by itself.
Hold on to what you must do,
Even if it’s a long way from here.

Miigwech,

Mel Hardy
Northern Superior Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief

As my term as the Southwest Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief of the Anishinabek Nation comes to a close, I want to express my deep gratitude for the opportunity to represent the unique interests and address the distinct barriers faced by the Nations in the Southwest. It has been an immense honour to serve our communities, advocating for our rights, and working towards a prosperous future for all. Although my term is ending, my commitment to our people remains unwavering, and I will continue to serve and support my home community of Aamjiwnaang with the same dedication and passion. Thank you for your trust and support throughout this journey.

Miigwech,

Chris Plain
Southwest Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief