Nipissing First Nation, Robinson Huron Treaty Territory ON - Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Anishinabek Nation
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, joined Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe, Chief Lloyd Myke of Magnetawan First Nation, Gimaa Kwe Rhonda Williams-Lovett of Moose Deer Point First Nation, Chief Scott McLeod of Nipissing First Nation, Chief Larry Roque of Wahnapitae First Nation, and Chief Irene Kells of Zhiibaahaasing First Nation at an in-person ceremony to celebrate the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement, which came into effect today. This celebration is an opportunity for the parties to commemorate the signing of the Agreement, which took place at a virtual ceremony earlier this year.
The Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement is the first self-government agreement of its kind in Ontario. It marks an important step for the signatory Anishinabek First Nations, as the parts of the Indian Act concerning governance will no longer apply.
Achieved through about 25 years of negotiation, this historic Agreement recognizes Anishinabek control over governance and the law-making powers of the signatory First Nations in key areas. The First Nations will make their own decisions about how their elections will be held, who their citizens are and how their governments will operate, as well as how best to protect and promote Anishinaabe language and culture.
The Government of Canada is working with First Nation partners to restore respectful nation-to-nation relationships, recognize their inherent right to self-determination and support communities as they move out from under the Indian Act and transition to self-government.
