GOVERNANCE

DEBENJIGED KIIMIINOGNA DEBWINWE WE NAAGDOWENDIWIN

(Creator Gave Us Sovereignty to Govern Ourselves)

OVERVIEW

The Governance Department is committed to rebuilding the Anishinabek Nation through the revitalization of Anishinabek laws, protocols, and principles by implementing traditional governing structures and decision-making procedures, including ceremony and Anishinaabemowin, the first language of the Anishinabek.   

The Governance Department is guided by the following political declarations that assert Anishinabek nationhood, sovereignty, unity and Anishinaabe Aadziwin. 

Anishinabek Nation Declaration (1980)

Anishinabek Nation E’Dbendaagzijig Naaknigewin (2009)

Anishinabek Nation Chi-Naaknigewin (2012)

Anishinaabek Giizhigad (2021)

Anishinabek Nation Declaration on E’Dbendaagzijig (2025)

The Governance Department advocates and facilitates the following key initiatives:

01

Anishinaabemowin acquisition, revitalization, reclamation, and preservation.

02

Nation-building and governance related initiatives to protect and advance the political goals, values and aspirations of the Anishinabek Nation member First Nations.

03

Anishinabek Nation unity and strategic collaboration support.

04

Political advocacy of Anishinabek Nation Veterans to ensure they are cared for and recognized for their bravery and service.

05

Government-to-government relations, asserting jurisdiction, and advocating for the implementation of rights to cultural and heritage management into policy and law-making authorities.

06

Political advocacy for First Nation rights to heritage management, assertion of jurisdiction and protection and return of Ancestors, sacred items, and sacred sites.

07

E’Dbendaagzijig supports and provides guidance to the Anishinabek Nation and First Nations to exercise the inherent right to determine "Those Who Belong" and to work with Leadership to renew the nation-to-nation relationship with Canada based on our determination of Anishinabek First Nation citizenship.

08

Key traditional governance-related capacity development activities – Anishinaabek Giizhigad.

For more information on the key initiatives, please click the links below:

E'Dbendaagzijig

First Nation Jurisdiction

Bilateral Tables

Heritage & Burials

Veterans

Anishinaabemowin