Constitution development project in its 10th year

By Faye Sabourin

In 2004-2005 the Restoration of Jurisdiction department of the Union of Ontario Indians established the Constitution Development Project to provide on-going constitutional support to Anishinabek First Nations. This project marks ten years in advocating for constitutional development within First Nations.

The Constitution Development Project began with preliminary planning for the creation of an Anishinabek constitution as well as constitutional support for an additional four pilot First Nation communities. The Anishinabek Nation constitution (Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigewin), Nippissing First Nation, Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and Mississaugas #8 First Nation have all successfully ratified constitution.

Throughout the years, this project provided support in a variety of ways, including coordinating conferences, facilitating, drafting and ratifying workshops, providing regional engagement sessions and constitution information meetings. In more recent years, a more hands-on approach was deemed necessary; therefore, staff provided support through community visits when requested as a more proactive way to assist constitution committees with meeting their goals.

“Constitution development is the number one nation-building activity taking place in our communities today. We are choosing to excise our inherent right to self-government and self-determination by creating and ratifying a First Nation constitution” says Faye Sabourin, Constitution Development Coordinator.

The constitution development project was created to support the initiatives of the Restoration of Jurisdiction – Union of Ontario Indians who were mandated by the Anishinabek Grand Council to negotiate self-government agreements on education and governance with constitutions being a requirement of participation of both agreements.

Tracey O’Donnell, Head Negotiator Education Agreement explains this requirement in further detail “this requirement exists because First Nations are taking steps towards becoming self-governing and making their own laws. It is really important for a community to have a constitution and settle that question on how we will make laws before we become self-governing.”

If you have any questions or require support with your First Nation constitution, contact Faye Sabourin – Constitution Development Coordinator at 1-877-702-5200 ext. 2316.