Over the past three years, the Chiefs Committee on Governance has developed a strategic plan called A Course of Action - A Critical Path. Central to the plan was the identification of four priority areas in which we need to move ahead on now:

1. Governance
2. Citizenship
3. Economic and Community Development and
4. Communications

Our plan represents a common vision and a strategic approach to implement our inherent right of self-government. We can no longer accept the regulation of our inherent rights and our lives by flawed government policy. 

This new approach to regain Anishinabek Nation comprehensive self-governance and self-sufficiency must include a new, sustainable approach to fiscal relations. In our consultations with leaders and citizens over the past several years, Anishinabek were very clear on this one point: our governments must be adequately funded through revenue sharing, transfer payments and equalization payments in the same manner as provincial and territorial governments.

We are embarking on a solution-based approach and the solutions to our problems must come from us. No First Nation can effect the needed changes on its own. Unless we work together toward our common goals and vision, this plan will be ineffective. We must focus and commit to our plan and our timelines. Responsibility falls on each First Nation to implement the required initial changes.

All Anishinabek communities are encouraged to strive and prepare for change. We must help one another. Those communities that have the capacity to move forward more quickly must continue to set the example.

Gilbank, Esther Chiefs Committee Coordinator Tel: 705-497-9127 Fax: 705-497-9135