After nearly three decades in the making, the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement Act, a self-government agreement between Canada, the Anishinabek Nation and First Nations that approved the Agreement by vote, received Royal Assent in the House of Commons June 23, 2022. See details.
"We need to restore our governance systems to what they were meant to be. Our systems and processes drew their strength and unity from the people in an organized way. We can do this again, restoring elements that were once the foundation of vibrant and effective decision-making protocols."
Letter to Citizens of the Anishinabek Nation as Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief
“We like that this agreement gives Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek leadership the authority to govern our community by our own laws. My council and I support the Governance Agreement as we all feel that this agreement recognizes our Inherent Rights.”
“If you were to ratify your Governance Agreement, and I really hope that you will, you will be a powerhouse, unprecedented in this country.”
"The Indian Act is a wet blanket on our sovereignty and our inherent right to self-government.
This agreement is the first step in lifting that wet blanket off of us."
"Whatever the pursuit of self-determination may be for your community, the opportunity to build begins with governance."