Law-Making

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LAW-MAKING

PURPOSE
  • Nations develop laws to govern how their citizens will live together in harmony.
  • Laws are made for the peace, order, and good governance of a Nation.
  • Laws may be written documents or passed orally through ceremony and teachings.

ANISHINABEK NATION LAWS

  • The Anishinabek Nation has always had laws.
  • Our original laws are the Seven Sacred Gifts given by the Creator: Love, Truth, Respect, Wisdom, Humility, Honesty and Bravery.
  • The Anishinabek Nation continues to make laws for our citizens today.
  • The Anishinabek Nation Matrimonial Real Property Law passed in 2007, and the on-going development of the Anishinabek Nation Child Welfare Law and the Anishinbek E’Dbendaagzijig Naaknigewin (citizenship law) are examples of present day laws being established.

WRITTEN LAW-MAKING PROCESS

The Anishinabek Nation’s current process for making written laws generally includes:

  • Direction from the Anishinabek Nation Chiefs-in-Assembly by resolution that a law is required and is to be developed;
  • Establishment of a committee, such as a Steering Committee, which is responsible for developing the draft law;
  • Consulting with Anishinabek citizens on what should be included in the law;
  • Drafting the law;
  • Presenting and reporting on the draft law;
  • Approval of the law by the Anishinabek Chiefs-in-Assembly; and
  • Proclaiming the law through ceremony that includes song, dance, feast, and give-aways