Leadership Council

Leadership Between Grand Council Assemblies

The Anishinabek Nation is governed by the Chiefs of its member First Nations. Between Grand Council Assemblies, the Leadership Council provides political leadership and direction on matters affecting the Nation and its citizens.

Leadership Council

Leadership Council brings together political, regional and traditional leadership from across Anishinabek Nation territory.

Grand Council Chief

Linda Debassige

M’Chigeeng First Nation

Grand Council Head Getzit

Mishomis Richard Assinewai

Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory

Regional Representation

Each region is represented within Leadership Council through political leadership, board representation, Treasury Board and Getzidjig representation.

Northern Superior Region

Regional Chief Melvin Hardy Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek
Chief Louis Kwissiwa — Board Member Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg
Giima Kwe Helen (Angela) Paavola — Treasury Board Member Namaygoosisagagun First Nation
James Mishquart Getzidjig Advisory Council Northern Superior Region Representative

Lake Huron Region

Regional Chief Scott McLeod Nipissing First Nation
Ogimaa Gerry Duquette — Board Member Dokis First Nation
Melani Assiniwe — Treasury Board Member Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory
Donna Debassige Getzidjig Advisory Council Lake Huron Region Representative

Southwest Region

Regional Chief Joe Miskokomon Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
Chief Kimberly Bressette — Board Member Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
Elizabeth Cloud — Treasury Board Member Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
Dwayne Nashkawa — Secretary Treasurer Saugeen First Nation
Leroy Dolson Getzidjig Advisory Council Southwest Region Representative

Southeast Region

Regional Chief Marsha Smoke Alderville First Nation
James R. Marsden — Board Member Alderville First Nation
Phyllis Williams — Treasury Board Member Curve Lake First Nation
Getzidjig Advisory Council Representative Position currently vacant
Wiikwemkoong Representative

Ogimaa Tim Ominika

Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory

Anishinabek Nation Eagle Staff
Traditional Governance

Doodemag — The Clan System

The Doodemag, or Clan System, is a traditional form of governance. Every Clan has its own rules and purpose that contribute to the greater good of the entire community.

Leadership Council responsibilities are organized through the Doodemag system, with leadership assigned to areas that reflect the responsibilities of each Clan.

Ajijaak — Crane Doodem Anishinabek Nation Governance and Communications
  • Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige — M’Chigeeng First Nation
  • Lake Huron Regional Chief Scott McLeod — Nipissing First Nation
  • Northern Superior Regional Chief Melvin Hardy — Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek
Giigoonh — Fish Doodemenhs Natural Resources and Aboriginal Treaty Rights
  • Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige — M’Chigeeng First Nation
  • Northern Superior Regional Chief Melvin Hardy — Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek
  • Lake Huron Regional Chief Scott McLeod — Nipissing First Nation
  • Southeast Board Member James R. Marsden — Alderville First Nation
  • Southeast Regional Chief Marsha Smoke — Alderville First Nation
Waawaashkesh — Deer Doodem Social Development
  • Chief Kimberly Bressette — Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
  • Southeast Regional Chief Marsha Smoke — Alderville First Nation
  • Southwest Regional Chief Joe Miskokomon — Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
  • Ogimaa Tim Ominika — Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory
Migizi — Eagle Doodem Employment, Training and Lifelong Learning
  • Southeast Board Member James R. Marsden — Alderville First Nation
  • Northern Superior Board Member Chief Louis Kwissiwa — Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg
Maang — Loon Doodem Intergovernmental Affairs and Aboriginal Treaty Rights
  • Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige — M’Chigeeng First Nation
  • Lake Huron Regional Chief Scott McLeod — Nipissing First Nation
  • Northern Superior Regional Chief Melvin Hardy — Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek
  • Southwest Regional Chief Joe Miskokomon — Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
  • Southeast Board Member James R. Marsden — Alderville First Nation
Makwa — Bear Doodem Health and Healing
  • Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige — M’Chigeeng First Nation
  • Southeast Regional Chief Marsha Smoke — Alderville First Nation
  • Lake Huron Board Member Chief Gerry Duquette — Dokis First Nation
  • Southwest Board Member Chief Kimberly Bressette — Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
  • Northern Superior Regional Chief Melvin Hardy — Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek
Waabizheshii — Marten Doodem Revenue, Finance and the Economy
  • Southwest Regional Chief Joe Miskokomon — Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
  • Northern Superior Board Member Chief Louis Kwissiwa — Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg
  • Southeast Regional Chief Marsha Smoke — Alderville First Nation
Mshiikenh — Turtle Doodem Legal, Justice and Aboriginal Treaty Rights
  • Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige — M’Chigeeng First Nation
  • Lake Huron Board Member Chief Gerry Duquette — Dokis First Nation
  • Northern Superior Board Member Chief Louis Kwissiwa — Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg

Advisory Councils

The Anishinabek Nation is supported by five Advisory Councils. These Councils meet individually or collectively to discuss areas of concern, review and provide advice on Anishinabek Nation initiatives, and engage in nation-building activities.

Kwe-Wag Advisory Council
Getzidjig Advisory Council
Eshki-niigijig Advisory Council
Niniwag Advisory Council
Niizhwaadziwag Advisory Council