Conference Report
Citizenship Conference Report
Read the final report from the 2026 E’Dbendaagzijig Citizenship Conference.
E'Dbendaagzijig
E’Dbendaagzijig is an Anishinaabemowin word that means “Those who belong” or “Citizenship”.
In 2009, the Anishinabek Nation Grand Council adopted the E’Dbendaagzijig Naaknigewin, a framework for Anishinabek First Nation citizenship laws. This framework law centres on the one-parent rule and is based on the inherent right of self-determination.
The Citizenship Law with the support of the E-Niiganwidood E’Dbendaagzijig, Dr. Jeannette Corbiere Lavell was the response to the Government of Canada’s Indian Status termination policies. The proposed law is a guiding document, akin to, and integrating Anishinaabe Law and principles as expressed in Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe (One Anishinaabe Family). More recently a Declaration was established in 2025 to advance the law.
“The Anishinabek Nation Declaration on E’Dbendaagzijig will further support Anishinaabe First Nations to assert our nationhood and implement our Anishinaabe citizenship laws”, said Dr. Jeannette Corbiere Lavell. “Our solution to the second-generation cut-off, voting thresholds, and the Indian Act is our Inherent Rights, Anishinaabe Law, and our Treaty Rights.”
— Dr. Jeannette Corbiere Lavell
Dr. Corbiere Lavell has been a member of the Indigenous Advisory Process (IAP) since Canada launched the Collaborative Process on the Second-Generation Cut-Off and the Section 10 Voting Thresholds in November 2023. In December 2024, Phase 2, the Consultation Activities and Events Stage, was set in motion.
Conference Resources
E’Dbendaagzijig (Those Who Belong) Naaknigewin Conference
August 19 & 20, 2026
Conference Day 1 & Day 2 Binder
View the materials prepared for the E’Dbendaagzijig (Those Who Belong) Naaknigewin Conference held August 19 and 20, 2026.
View Conference Binder
Commissioner’s Report
E-Niigaanwidood E’Dbendaagzijig Report
Read the September 2026 Commissioner’s Report relating to E’Dbendaagzijig and citizenship.
Watch & Learn
E’Dbendaagzijig Videos
Learn more about E’Dbendaagzijig, Anishinaabe citizenship, and the work underway to assert the inherent right of Anishinaabe First Nations to determine their own citizens.
Video Playlist
E’Dbendaagzijig Virtual Sessions
Explore the E’Dbendaagzijig Virtual Sessions playlist to learn more about citizenship, inherent rights, and the ongoing work of the Anishinabek Nation.
Citizenship & Inherent Rights
E’Dbendaagzijig with Marsha Smoke, Anishinabek Nation Southeast Regional Chief
Marsha Smoke, Anishinabek Nation Southeast Regional Chief, explains how the Anishinabek Nation is asserting the inherent right to decide who our citizens are. To move this forward, the Anishinabek Nation created a Draft Declaration on E’Dbendaagzijig in 2025, and our own citizenship law, the E-Dbendaagzijig Naaknigewin in 2009. “E’Dbendaagzijig” is an Anishinaabemowin word that means “Those who belong,” or “Citizenship.”
PDF Document
Anishinabek Nation E-Dbendaagzijig Naaknigewin (Citizenship Law)
Access the Anishinabek Nation E-Dbendaagzijig Naaknigewin citizenship law.
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News & Resources
Anishinabek News
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