'Proceed from an Anishinaabe Lens,' Says New Anishinabek Nation

WINTER 2021 Anishinabek News

Volume 31 Issue 1 Published quarterly by the Anishinabek Nation Winter 2021

Former Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee named Anishinabek Nation Commissioner on Governance during Day 2 of the annual Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Assembly held via Zoom and hosted by Dokis First Nation. ‘Proceed from an Anishinaabe lens,’ says new Anishinabek Nation Commissioner on Governance

DOKIS FIRST NATION (Nov. 4, him once again as we continue backs. We have an opportunity here through negotiation and assertion. 2020) – The Anishinabek Nation to advocate for Anishinaabe now to do this,” Madahbee said, The Anishinabek Nation Long- Chiefs-in-Assembly unanimously Governance.” urging First Nations leaders to look Term Strategic Plan, Geyaabi confirmed Patrick Madahbee of Madahbee was selected for through an “Anishinaabe lens” at Waa Ni Zhiwebag, also adopted Aundeck Omni Kaning as its new the role through a First Nation the opportunity the Anishinabek today, will guide the work of Commissioner on Governance selection process. Accepting his Nation Governance Agreement Commissioner on Governance during Day 2 of the online 2020 confirmation, Madahbee expressed provides to establish Anishinaabe and the Chiefs Committee on Anishinabek Nation Grand Council his gratitude to the Chiefs-in- governance and replace Indian Act Governance. The top priority Assembly hosted by Dokis First Assembly and stated that he will governance. noted overall in the Anishinabek Nation. continue to “guard the interests The Commissioner on Nation Long-Term Strategic Plan is “The former Grand Council of our communities,” as he has Governance is an ex-officio language and culture. Jurisdiction Chief Patrick Madahbee had a over many years of service to the member of the Chiefs Committee over language and culture and saying going into his last term, Anishinabek in various leadership on Governance. The Commissioner funding to support that jurisdiction ‘You can count on Patrick!’ and he positions. Commissioner Madahbee on Governance will coordinate is a main feature of the Anishinabek has demonstrated that through his held the position of Grand Council the Anishinaabe self-government Nation Governance Agreement. advocacy for the Anishinabek for Chief in the 1980s and again just initiatives and will facilitate the “We are doing this for our over 47 years,” says Anishinabek recently, in the nine years preceding drive to comprehensive self- future,” said Grand Council Chief Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Grand Council Chief Hare’s current government. In 2019, the Grand Hare during his opening remarks Hare. “I would like to congratulate term. Council Assembly reconfirmed the today. “Anishinaabe governance the new Commissioner on “For the 47 years I have been mandate of the Chiefs Committee is in our language and this is the Governance Patrick Madahbee. involved, we have been talking on Governance to pursue foundation of self-determination I look forward to working with about getting Indian Affairs off our comprehensive self-government and our survival.” WINTER 2021 Anishinabek News Page 2

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Editor: Marci Becking Assistant Editors: Laura Barrios Layout: Marci Becking Advertising: Marci Becking The Anishinabek Nation announces the current development of an online interactive treaty education resource that will be available in spring 2021.

PH: 705-497-9127 ~ 1-877-702-5200 www.anishinabeknews.ca E-MAIL: [email protected] P.O. Box 711, Nipissing First Nation, North Bay, New online resource a co-learning ON, P1B 8J8

The current circulation of the Anishinabek News is 3,000 copies. journey for students and teachers

DEADLINE FOR By Marci Becking SPING PRINT EDITION ROBINSON HURON TREATY TERRITORY— The Anishinabek Nation March 5, 2021 kicked off the fifth annual Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario with a virtual For more information or inquiries to the Anishinabek news conference and sneak peek to the new News related to circulation issues please call our online treaty education resources that will be Toll-free number: 1-877-702-5200 All advertising inquiries can be sent to [email protected] released in spring of 2021. Kelly Crawford, citizen of M’Chigeeng First Nation and Assistant Director of www.anishinabeknews.ca Indigenous Initiatives at the University of Toronto – Scarborough campus is the project ISSN 1182-3178 Anishinabek News (Print) lead for developing the new resources. ISSN 1923-0710 Anishinabek News (Online) “Treaty education should be happening all-year-round, not just during Treaties Recognition Week or National Indigenous Day. The online resource will be a co- learning journey for both teachers and students,” says Crawford. “I talk with teachers from various school boards and for years their collective comments around treaty education is the same: ‘Why wasn’t I taught this?’, ‘What if I don’t have the answers?’. In education, we are tasked Isaac Murdoch, Knowledge Keeper from Serpent River First Nation, shares teachings in the with supporting the on-going growth and online treaty education resource. development of our students. I see a parallel here in regards to the teaching profession. to different worlds to explore along with while at home or in the classroom.” We are also tasked with the on-going growth them. It will be set up like a game board. Various virtual events were held by and development of ourselves; teaching is And how does the LEGO wampum belt fit Lakehead University in Thunder Bay and not intended to be stagnant. The journey of in? As one completes the various lessons, through the Indigenous Affairs Office of understanding the treaty relationship and the LEGO belt will click into place, like Ontario. The First Nation, Métis, Inuit one’s role within it can be a collaborative puzzle pieces. The books are based on their Education Ontario organization of educators co-created journey with the teacher and respective stories of building an 800-piece held teacher-training sessions during the ONLINE ASSEMBLY the students. It is okay to take that journey LEGO replica Treaty of Niagara wampum week prior to Treaties Recognition Week. together and have clear discussions of the belt and the 250th anniversary of the Royal Some northern Ontario radio stations – Anishinabek Nation Grand Council realities in which we live in. As an educator, Proclamation at Niagara Falls. Moose FM North Bay, Moose FM Sturgeon Chief Glen Hare during the online you have such great influence for the future Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Falls, Moose FM Algoma/Manitoulin, Grand Council Assembly held on Nov. leaders of this province. Educators have a Glen Hare participated in the virtual news Moose FM Espanola and Rewind 103.9 3-4, 2020. role in the story of the treaty relationship… conference held on November 2. He was Sudbury – are all permanently identifying perhaps you are facilitators of a much- promoting the current resources that were the Robinson Huron Treaty Territory in their Videos of both days of the assembly needed truthful discussion of connection to developed long before recommendations legal identification on an hourly basis. The can be viewed by going to the land and reconciliation via education.” from the Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry hope is that more radio stations will join and Anishinabek Nation YouTube channel. Based on the elementary “We are all and Truth and Reconciliation Commission identify where they are in Ontario. Treaty People” teachers guide and the Alex report. In addition to the physical copies of the Chi-miigwetch to Chief Gerry Shares his Wampum Belt and Dakota Talks “We’ve been saying for years that the books, e-books are now available to order Duquette, Elder Mary Dokis and Dokis about Treaties books, the online resource treaty education, public education will help through www.goodminds.com. First Nation for hosting this year’s will feature videos of different knowledge eliminate racism,” says Grand Council The sneak peek video found on the assembly. keepers. The characters Alex and Dakota are Chief Hare. “We’re supporting teachers and Anishinabek Nation YouTube channel. actually Alex Hebert from Dokis First Nation students by making our treaty kits into online To order Anishinabek Nation treaty Photo of the Lil Migizi Singers Drum and Dakota Bellissimo from Nipissing First resources so that they can still learn about education resources, please e-mail: orders@ on Page 7. Nation leading the students and teachers First Nations and the treaty relationship anishinabek.ca WINTER 2021 Anishinabek News Page 3 Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe – The Anishinabek way forward

To live by the principles of Ngo Dwe Canada claims it has an underlying title “We often say ‘language and culture’ The Pipe Ceremony and Thanksgiving Waangizid Anishinaabe, One Anishinaabe to all of the lands within its boundaries but together but they are not the same. Cul- are very important to governance. Family is the sole purpose of the Anishi- that is not true. We have original title from ture is ceremony, acting out to have dir- “In our assemblies of the Tribal Coun- naabe Chi-Naaknigewin, as adopted and the Creator. As Anishinabek Nation Head ect communication with the Creator,” said cil of Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe, proclaimed in ceremony by Anishinabek Getzit Gordon Waindubence says, “There Nmishomis Gordon Waindubence. “Why we need to take time for our Creation Nation Chiefs-in-Assembly on June 6, is no such thing as Crown land.” do we not have an Anishinabek national Story. And there are many creation stories. 2012. On December 15, 2018, Nmishomis holiday on June 6? On June 6, 2012, we There are 63 in Canada. That’s how many Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe is the Gordon Waindubence said: adopted the Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknige- Nations there are in Canada, and they are Preamble of the Anishinaabe Chi-Naak- “We were not taught Gwekwaadziwin, win at the Grand Council held that year all right!” nigewin and it was given to Anishinabek To Live a Good Life. My mentors said in my home community of Sheguiandah. by traditional Elders gathered at the Ojib- the system was used against us. The sys- Why don’t we sing the Three Fires Con- The Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknige- way Cultural Foundation, to provide the tem we are in was forced upon us through federacy Flag Song at the Grand Council win is about identity and healthy spirit and intent of the modern, written residential school. I went to Indian Day gatherings? This is our national anthem, communities constitution of the Anishinabek Nation. School – a big room with a wood stove in like O Canada is Canada’s national an- Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe the middle with nuns and priests. No dif- them. O Canada is the colonizers’ song.” Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe is states the principles and the Anishinaabe ference. My Mom and Dad went through Nation building and the develop- a clear statement of what it means to be Chi-Naaknigewin are the blueprints for residential school. I am a product of that. I ment and ratification of the Anishinaabe Anishinaabe. implementing Anishinabek Nation Gov- saw change happen. Chi-Naaknigewin were mandated and exe- Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe, ernment. It is nation-building and restor- We are dependent on a system that cuted by the Anishinabek Grand Council. when understood in Anishinaabemow- ing nationhood in action. is not ours, even forgetting our own sys- It took 14 years of talking with commun- in, contains everything we need to live a Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe and tem. I don’t know if it’s going to change. ity members, many conferences and work- good life, as the Creator intended: Gwek- the Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigewin are Maybe my grandchildren will benefit…It shops, and Grand Council deliberations to waadziwin. more than a new declaration of Nation- is so very hard to let go. Anishinabek don’t finalize the Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigew- By implementing the Anishinabek Na- hood; these represent the return to Anishi- really want to give the Indian Act system in. Removal of Indian Affairs, Unity and tion Chi-Nakknigewin, we return to our naabe Traditional Governance in the up because we think we have nothing to Nation Building were the top three prior- path: To Live a Good Life, Gwekwaadzi- context of today and re-establishes Anishi- fall back on. Our belief system changed. ities in the Community Consultations that win. The Anishinabek Nation Chi-Naak- nabek Nation Government. Traditional We have to get back to the spirit. Gwek- took place from 1998 to 2008. nigewin is the collective commitment governments have inherent sovereignty waadziwin. That is in the north.” Great strides can be taken to imple- to living by the laws the Creator gave to and jurisdiction. ment the Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigewin Anishinaabe. Nation Building and Implementing just by altering the way we conduct the “We need to use our gifts. We must lis- The practical effects of the Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigewin Grand Council assemblies. ten, learn, and practice living by our Sev- implementing the Anishinaabe “We need to make our Grand Councils en Sacred Gifts,” said Nmishomis Gordon Chi-Naaknigewin We received the Anishinabek Nation a priority,” said Nmishomis Gordon Wain- Waindubence. “These Gifts are our Laws flag, our Eagle Staff, from the Spirit in dubence. “At present, Grand Councils for living as individuals on our separate, 1. A return to Anishinaabe identity and February 1997. Head Getzit Gordon Wain- only last for one-and-a-half days. Chiefs unique journeys and for living collectively worldview: Creator placed Anishinaabe on dubence, fasted for six days in the deep come late and leave early. Flags are being as a Nation of People. The Creator gave us the earth along with the gift of spirituality. cold in February 1997. This is where Na- carried by staff. The Grand Council should sovereignty to govern ourselves.” 2. Anishinaabe knowledge to exercise tion building began. Nation building came be five days at a minimum. The weekend How can we say we are Anshinaabe of inherent jurisdictions over our lands: from the Creator. before could be used as Clan gatherings in if we continue to define ourselves by the Here on Mother Earth, there were gifts The Creator placed Anishinaabe on the preparation for the Grand Council.” terms and laws of the colonizer? There is given to the Anishinaabe to look after, fire, earth along with the gift of spirituality and We need to take the time to govern re- an inherent contradiction in the way we water, earth and wind. Anishinaabemowin is a spiritual language. sponsibly, according to our Anishinaabe govern ourselves, individually and collect- 3. The restoration of Anishinaabe Nmishomis Gordon Waindubence ex- traditional governance, our culture and ively. Living by a foreign system that pits Traditional Government: The Creator also plains: our protocols. There should be pre-Grand individuals and communities against one gave the Anishinabe seven sacred gifts to “Mnidoo waadiziwin. That’s the gift Council ceremonies and a sweat lodge to another is not our way. guide them. They are Love, Truth, Re- the Creator gave to us. He gave all four cleanse our minds. Firstly, we need the The legacy of colonialism is an epi- spect, Wisdom, Humility, Honesty, and colours of man gifts, but ours is spiritual- commitment and discipline of the Chiefs demic of un-wellness among too many Bravery. ity. themselves. of our people and communities: addic- 4. Self-determination and self-govern- The colonizers and traders changed “In order to implement things, we have tions, shaming, violence (mostly against ment: Creator gave us sovereignty to gov- our words because they didn’t understand to follow through on what we say,” ex- women and girls), youth overdose and sui- ern ourselves. and brutalized our language. We have to plained Nmishomis Gordon Waindubence. cide, and even a disregard for the gifts of 5. Living by our teachings, using all get back to Anishinaabe way of thinking “For 20 years, I have offered sweat lodges Mizokim’kwe, our earth mother. our gifts and laws, and exercising sover- and Anishinaabemowin. When I address before assemblies for candidates. This was It is our responsibility to look after the eignty to look after our babies and our people, I use Anishinaabemowin because to get them to clean their minds, to know gifts of the Creator: to look after our lands land: We respect and honour the past, there is more meaning in our language. It their role and what they will be doing, and and each other. present and future. means something. That is why it is called to not be competitive. Many did not take This is the responsibility of this present In practice, a return to Anishinaabe a sacred language. the time to prepare in this way.” generation. This is the responsibility of identity and worldview is decolonization Take the Pipe Ceremony for example. Venue is important. A fire and natural our leaders. There are many leaders doing and the undoing of assimilation and op- I said to someone that the Pipe Ceremony lighting changes the outcome and the tone this work. Our own Anishinaabe Elders, pression. We must return to who we are should not be done in English because the of the discussion. We have opted for mod- to whom many do not listen, have told us before it is too late. It will take all Anishi- Creator gave us a language for direct com- ern conveniences and have adopted a for- how we must live. Our Elders tell us that naabe People working together to accom- munication. His response was that the Cre- eign way to conduct our governance. Rob- we have a responsibility to our ancestors plish this and it must be done now. ator understands all languages. I said our ert’s Rules of Order do not work for us. and our future generations. While we did We need the strength of unity, like Pon- ancestors, 100 years ago, will not under- We have the 7-Pointed Star system to not create the dysfunction and chaos we tiac when he assembled the Anishinabek stand when we call them in. have our discussions and to arrive at our live in today, it is our responsibility to heal to assert sovereignty and to stop the invad- To communicate with the Spirit World, decision by consensus. We have our own each other and ourselves and lead the way ers from stealing our land. Pontiac’s Great our spiritual language is needed. protocols. We sit in a circle with our fire, to a better future. War in July 1763 forced England to issue In the north, people call that gift cour- bundle and Eagle Staff in the centre. Living by Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishi- the Royal Proclamation in October 1763. age and sometimes honesty, but that is not There should be chairs for everyone at- naabe, we can heal one another, heal our The Royal Proclamation resulted in the correct. It should be ‘To live a good life,’ tending to sit in the circle according to the ancestors and provide Mino Bimaaadzi- Treaty of Niagara of 1764. Gwekwaadziwin. People might not under- Clan System structure. The Clan Heads win for our future generations. By practi- The Treaty of Niagara of 1764 is why stand that, but again, that is why language are the spokespersons and sit in the inner cing our sacred responsibilities and using the Anishinabek were allies of the British is so important. If you are fluent in the lan- circle. All members of that clan will then our sacred gifts, we can create a good fu- in the War of 1812 against the new Amer- guage you look at words differently.” sit in concentric circles behind their Clan ture for the generations to come. ican nation-state. In that war, Tecumseh The Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigewin Heads. [From notes taken during a visit with gathered the Anishinabek together, like was proclaimed and made Law through When we open our assemblies, it is not Anishinabek Nation Head Getzit Mshkenh Pontiac before him, and fought for our the Pipe Ceremony at the Round House in an opening prayer. It is a Thanksgiving. (Gordon Waindubence) in December 2018 freedom and our territories. Sheguiandah First Nation on June 6, 2012. Terminology is very important. in Manitoulin Island.] WINTER 2021 Anishinabek News Page 4 Anishinaabe Traditional Governance - The Clan System of Government

The Clan System is the traditional form of governance. Every clan has their own roles and purpose that relates to the greater good of the entire community. Mukwaa (Bear) Gwekwaadziwin DEER CLAN - SOCIAL The Deer/Hoof Clan is known for its kindness, gentle and soft-spoken nature. (To Live a TheDeer/Hoof clan is responsible for the social aspects of the community Mang Good Life) Waabizheshii includingceremonies and celebrations. (Loon) (Marten) Dbaadendiziwin Aakedhewin EAGLE CLAN - EDUCATION (Humility) (Bravery) The Eagle Clan, also known as the Bird Clan, is known to be the closest to the Chi-Na Creator as it is part of the sky world. Eagle Clan members are the keepers of be a knowledge and responsible for spreading seeds of knowledge. a kn a i in g h e s w CRANE CLAN - EXTERNAL i The Crane stands in the water observing the world above the water line. The i n Ngo Dwe n Crane observes the outside world and is known as the Outside Chief. The A Outside Chief isresponsible for negotiation with people from other communities Mshiikenh Waangizid (Nation-to-Nation). (Turtle) Anishinaabe Nbwaakaawin (Guiding TURTLE CLAN - LAW MAKERS (Wisdom) The Turtle Clan is responsible for mediation, justice, making laws and Principles) helping with decisions if there are disagreements between clans. Turtle Clan people are also healers and have knowledge of medicine.

LOON CLAN - INTERNAL The loon dives and sees the happenings inside the water. The Loon Clan is Ajijaak Waawaashkesh known as the Inside Chief as it is responsible for settling disputes and issues (Crane) (Deer) within its community.

Mnaadendamowin Zaagidwin (Respect) (Love) BEAR CLAN - HEALTH Migizii The Bear Clan is responsible for protecting its people to ensure the safety of the gentler clans inside the community. Bear Clan members are also the (Eagle) medicine people as they know the healing ways of plants available to them. Debwewin (Truth) MARTEN CLAN - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Marten Clan members are the warriors and builders within their community as well as good hunters and providers. Marten Clan members are known as master strategists in planning the defense of their people. The Marten Clan also adopts people who don’t know which clan they belong to.

Structure Decision Making Process Arrangement of Parts in a System The 7-Pointed Star

The babies are in the centre. This is We use The Path of the 7-Pointed Star spokesperson(s) speaking but They would be fishers, hunters, Stories. There are 63 in Canada. That's The Creator gave us sovereignty to what the Clan System of Government in operating our Anishinaabe everyone's voice is included. The gatherers. how many Nations there are in govern ourselves. is all about. Every baby is born into a government. It is the decision-making spokespersons are sitting there as Canada, and they all are right. clan. We inherit our dad's clan. Each process. leaders. Our Gifts and Responsibilities Anishinaabe Head Getzit Clan was given a Sacred Gift, a Sacred encompass all of us and all four We need to prepare in sweat lodges Gordon Waindubence Law, and responsibility. The head spokespersons of each clan The Turtle Clan, for example, would colours of man, plus their beliefs. before assemblies. This is to have our (Wolf Clan) address the gathering of the clans, select spokespersons to speak on Today when people pass on, we take leaders clean their minds, to know We cannot exclude any gifts. They all such as the Grand Council, in the behalf of the environment because them to different religious their role, and what they will be doing, work together as one. For each of the order of the 7-Pointed Star System. Turtle lives in both worlds, in the denominations. But you have to and to not be competitive. clan responsibilities, there are many water world and on the land. There acknowledge our Anishinaabe Gifts SELECTION OF SPOKESPERSONS would be individuals selected to speak too. We need to use our Gifts. We must parts and several spokespersons for listen, learn, and practice living by our each of those parts. For each of the Each Clan selects its spokesperson(s) on behalf of land, water, wildlife, fishing, hunting and gathering. In our assemblies of the Tribal Council Seven Sacred Gifts. These Gifts are our Sacred Laws there are different laws whose responsibility it is to inform of Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe, laws for living as individuals on our contained in those. There are many and consult those for whom he/she is Those people would be knowledgeable we need to take time for our Creation separate, unique journeys and for different kinds of Love, Truth, and spokesperson. In this way, the council of that which they are selected to Story. And there are many Creation living collectively as a Nation of Respect and so forth. is held with only the head speak about. People. WINTER 2021 Anishinabek News Anishinaabe Traditional Governance - The Clan System of Government

Structure Decision Making Process Arrangement of Parts in a System The 7-Pointed Star

October 16, 2020 Town Hall session on the Gyaabi Waa Ni Zhiwebag - Long Term Strategic Plan held via Zoom. Anishinabek Chiefs adopt Geyaabi Waa Ni Zhiwebag, Anishinabek Nation Long-Term Strategic Plan

By Mary Laronde among Anishinabek First Nations and The Anishinabek Grand Council citizens. adopted the Anishinabek Nation Long- In a survey, participants were Term Strategic Plan (LTSP), Geyaabi asked, “What priority areas should Waa Ni Zhiwebag, at its recent Grand the Anishinabek Nation focus on in Council Assembly held November 3 and the short (1-5 years), medium (5-10 4, via Zoom. years), and long term (10-25 years), Under the direction of the Chiefs including Culture, Language, Education, Committee on Governance and the Employment, Economy, Health, Governance Portfolio, including Grand Housing, Infrastructure, and Justice?” Anishinabek Nation Council Chief Glen Hare (Gwiingwos) The two top-ranked short-term priorities and Regional Deputy Grand Council are language and culture. The two top Governance Chief James Marsden, a virtual Town medium-term priorities are employment Hall session was held to review the final and economy, and the two top long-term Summit Series II report with Anishinabek Leadership priorities are language and culture. on Oct. 16. This meeting was held Language and cultural revitalization Implementing the Anishinaabe in preparation for the Grand Council are fundamental to all priorities, meaning Assembly, where a resolution was sought that each priority needs to be guided Chi-Naaknigewin to adopt the plan and move forward with by tradition and to unfold within the its implementation. language. At the same time, some effort January 13 - 14, 2021 Central to implementation of the needs to be made to better incorporate LTSP is the coordination of negotiations the variety of languages and dialects and self-government initiatives to move present across the Anishinabek Nation Conference Anishinabek First Nations forward [i.e., Algonquin, Anishinaabemowin Registration information to be announced. toward enhanced well-being and self- (Odawa/Potawatomi/Ojibwemowin/Oji- Contact [email protected] for more information. sufficiency through the revitalization Cree), north/south, and Lenape]. Wednesday, January 13, 2021 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm of language and Anishinaabe culture In community visits with Chiefs and and comprehensive self-government, Councils, they said the Anishinabek Evening Q&A Session 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm according to First Nations’ jurisdictional Nation should focus on its key strengths: priorities. research and advocacy. Service delivery Thursday, January 14, 2021 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm The Chiefs Committee on Governance should only be considered in exceptional is mandated to develop a new framework circumstances when First Nation funding for comprehensive self-government is not available or when economies of negotiations, communications, scale are necessary. Still, the Anishinabek and consultations that support the Nation should sustain its advocacy for Anishinabek First Nations’ jurisdictional greater and more reliable First Nations priorities. funding to avoid these situations. In a literature review, several past In interviews with Anishinabek strategic plans and vision documents Nation staff and directors, the preliminary were integrated into the new strategy strategies and targets of the LTSP were document. Consistent with past found to be consistent with the findings Niigaan Zhaamin-Forward Together documentation, the new documentation from previous departmental consultation continues to support the call for unity exercises. WINTER 2021 Anishinabek News Page 7

Lil’ Migizi Singers Dokis First Nation was the host of this year’s Grand Council Assembly held virtually via Zoom November 3-4. Lil’ Migizi Singers: Kaleb Restoule, Justin Restoule, Angus Restoule, Brennan Govender, Tyler Eagle and Darren Nakogee drummed for the opening and closing of the assembly. WINTER 2021 Anishinabek News Page 8