Anishinaabe Governance is… determining our own citizens.
The State of Citizenship… currently.
Since time immemorial, Anishinabek people knew who our citizens were. They were our family (our Clan) and they were members of our community. Beginning with the Indian Act in 1876, Anishinabek citizens were replaced by “Status Indians”. This system is entirely controlled by the federal government. First Nations have no say whatsoever in Indian Status and Indian registration.
In some cases, the rules of Indian Status is limited to two generations. After two generations of having only one Status Indian parent, the third generation child is no longer entitled to registration.
The Indian Act was also ripe with gender-based discrimination. For example, prior to 1985, when an Anishinabek woman married a non-Status man, she lost her status. In some cases, that discrimination carried on to their children and grandchildren.
Many First Nations refer to Indian Status as a means of assimilation. If this was to continue, there are some First Nations that will have no Status Indian members in the near future.
The promise, hope and future of Anishinabek Citizenship.
In the Anishinabek Chi-Naaknigewin (Constitution), our citizens are referred to as E’Dbendaagzijig, or “those who belong”. This is consistent with our historic and traditional way of recognizing our citizens.
This is also consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Article 33 of the Declaration states that Indigenous people have the right to determine their own identity or membership in accordance with their customs and traditions.
Anishinabek First Nations have indicated that they would like to eliminate the two-generation cut-off rule. Like other nations around the world, one parent is enough for Anishinabek citizenship.
The rules around Indian Status will not change. Those will continue under the federal government. However, establishing our own citizenship laws will further protect the rights of our citizens and help us provide necessary programs and services provided by our First Nations government.
Anishinaabe Governance is… the opportunity to determine our own citizens.