ANISHINABEK NATION HEAD OFFICE (February 7, 2020) –  Late January, an initial meeting between the Anishinabek Nation leadership and a concerned Anishinabek Nation citizen was agreed upon with the purpose of coming to a common understanding regarding the proposed Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement. The meeting also included a Pipe Ceremony. As events unfolded in the following weeks, the Anishinabek Nation leadership learned that the meeting had changed into a rally with the intention of the protesters delivering a list of demands.

Anishinabek Nation leadership is guided by a Getzidjig (Elders) Advisory Council and leadership of the 39 Anishinabek First Nations. Under the advisement of the advisory council, Anishinabek Nation leadership declined to meet with the rally organizers due to ceremony protocols not being followed.

Anishinabek Nation Head Office in Nipissing First Nation is a political advocacy office with a full complementary of staff. To minimize disruption and ensure safety of staff, as well as instructors and students of the Anishinabek Educational Institute, on-site traditional teaching workshop participants and guests, protesters were welcomed individually to warm up and use the building facilities.

Miigwech to the Anishinabek Police Service for ensuring the safety of all.

The Anishinabek Nation is a political advocate for 39 member First Nations across Ontario, representing approximately 65,000 citizens.  The Anishinabek Nation is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact. 

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Laura Barrios, Communications Officer

Anishinabek Nation

Phone: 705-497-9127 ext. 2290

E-mail: laura.barrios@anishinabek.ca