ANISHINABEK NATION HEAD OFFICE (April 26, 2019)— Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare is pleased to announce that the new Anishinabek Nation Chief Water Commissioner, Autumn Peltier, will be honoured at the Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Assembly in June in Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation.

The assembly’s theme – Mndaadendang Nibi Ekeanjigewat (Honouring our Water Protectors) will give thanks to the previous Anishinabek Nation Chief Water Commissioner, the late Grandmother Josephine Mandamin, and celebrate Autumn Peltier, who is the great-niece of Josephine, in her new position.

“Autumn has extensive nibi giikendaaswin (water knowledge),” says Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare. “She has been bringing global attention to the water issues in our country for a few years now. It is an honour to have her be our next Chief Water Commissioner.”

Peltier is a 14-year-old youth from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island. She has advocated for the water at the United Nation and the Assembly of First Nations.

The Anishinabek Women’s Water Commission was established in 2007. Its mandate is to provide advice for Anishinabek Nation leadership and citizens on water and Great Lakes management issues through dialogue and information exchange. The commission plays a leadership role in raising awareness on all water issues, sharing their traditional knowledge, teachings and values.

The Anishinabek Nation is the political advocate for 40 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 65,000 people. 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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For more information contact:

Laura Barrios, Communications Officer

Policy and Communications Department

Phone : 705-497-9127 ext. 2339

E-mail : laura.barrios@anishinabek.ca