The Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement is now in effect.
Bill S-10, the first self-government agreement of its kind in Ontario, received royal assent in Parliament on June 23, 2022.
Officials say the legislation will build on the work of the Anishinabek Nation to support them in achieving their inspiring vision of a better future for their communities.
“We are pleased to see unanimous support in Parliament for our governance aspirations,” says Chief Scott McLeod, Nipissing First Nation. “It recognizes that we have the right and ability to decide on important issues, like who our people are, for ourselves. This is just another step on our journey to become fully self-governing.”
Ottawa says the agreement represents another important step forward to renew relationships, close socio-economic gaps, and promote greater prosperity now and into the future.
“Canada continues to work towards renewing nation-to-nation relationships and advancing self-determination, with Indigenous partners like the Anishinabek Nation,” says Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations. “We will continue to support arrangements that are created by Indigenous communities, for Indigenous communities, so that they can achieve their own visions of success.”
The agreement, which was signed in April 2022, recognizes Anishinabek control over their governments and law-making powers in four key areas:
- leadership selection
- citizenship
- language and culture
- government operations
Nipissing First Nation was one of the signatory first nations.
