Political quarterly update: Spring 2026
June 10, 2026
Ziigwan (Spring) is the time when things begin to awaken. It is with this reminder that there is work to do for the upcoming season ahead. This work has already begun; firstly, with the ceremonies held in the Spring season to prepare for what is to come, and secondly, by beginning to plan and strategize what needs to get done and how those goals will be achieved. With this in mind, the Anishinabek Nation continues to be steadfast with one Anishinaabe voice and as one Anishinaabe family to advance member First Nations’ interests and advocacy efforts.
The season has been a very busy season for the Political Office, travelling throughout the Anishinabek territory. Leadership has had a busy season with numerous meetings and forums. The Political Office’s focus has been on engaging with leadership at the regional meetings and preparing for the Grand Council Assembly.
The Political Office is grateful for the opportunity to spend time in each Region to strengthen relationships, as it is a priority for the work to be done and critical to bringing forward common priorities seen throughout the territory to the provincial and federal governments.
This year’s Grand Council Assembly looked different from previous years, as the focus was for Leadership to have time to spend on priorities that they want to see advanced on behalf of their communities. It’s time for Leadership to strategize together and to strengthen collective unity. Every issue is important; however, Leadership focused on identifying key matters that are important to them.
Of note, most have heard through news and media that Canada has agreed to host a First Nations-First Ministers’ Meeting in the Fall. The Assembly of First Nations has been hosting Town Halls with First Nations’ leadership to identify priorities. While there are many challenges with respect to program funding, Anishinabek Nation Leaders have expressed the need to focus on federal/provincial priorities, inherent rights, and moving forward together, guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), rather than talking primarily about program funding.
The Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Assembly created space to listen to Leadership, take their direction, and advance their unified position on their direction for the First Nations-First Ministers’ Meeting.
Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Chief and Southwest Regional Chief Joe Miskokomon will be leading this important conversation. He was present and participated in the 1982 Constitutional Talks and has a very thorough understanding of opportunities, such as the First Nations-First Ministers’ Meeting, noting that they do not present themselves often. Southwest Regional Chief Miskokomon is advocating at both the Chiefs of Ontario and Assembly of First Nations to be strategic and focus on significant items versus program delivery challenges.
As meetings with Federal and Provincial partners ramp up, the Political Office will ensure that First Nations’ priorities and mandates are front and centre to achieve solutions and outcomes for Anishinabek Nation First Nations and citizens.
Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige would like to thank all those who contributed to the submissions and remarks made concerning Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Indian Act (new registration entitlements). The position of the Anishinabek Nation on Bill S-2 and the proposed Senate amendments was to inform deliberations of the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs and to clearly articulate the expectations of Anishinabek Nation leadership and its citizens. Anishinabek Nation’s position is consistent with UNDRIP, which affirms in Article 33 that Indigenous peoples have the inherent right to determine their own identity and membership.
Article 9 affirms that Indigenous peoples and individuals have the right to belong to their Nation in accordance with its traditions.
The Political Office looks forward to the Summer season and the warmer weather ahead.
The Grand Council Assembly was held from June 2 -4 in Thunder Bay and was hosted by Red Rock Indian Band. June 2 started with a Sweat and Sunrise Ceremony.
This year, the Chiefs-in-Assembly welcomed Minister of Indigenous Services of Canada, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs of Canada, and Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation as guests. Some 30 resolutions were passed. The new Nation Council was introduced with some new faces on the various Advisory Councils.
The Anishinabek Nation hosted a drum social, which was held on June 2, to celebrate Anishinaabe Giizhigad. The Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigewin was proclaimed on June 6, 2012, in Sheguiandah First Nation and every year, Anishinaabe Giizhigad is celebrated on June 6 throughout Anishinabek Nation Territory to commemorate the proclamation of the Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigewin and the adoption of the Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe, and to honour Anishinaabe identity, history, traditions, and pride!
The Political Office will also be participating in the upcoming Chiefs of Ontario Annual Chiefs Assembly on June 16-18, in Chippewas of Rama First Nation, and the Assembly of First Nations Annual General Assembly in Ottawa, on July 15-16.
The Political Office looks forward to seeing you at future meetings and engagements throughout the Summer, and many of you on the pow wow trail, and wishes you all a great and safe season!