Canada and Anishinabek Nation mark Royal Assent of historic self-government legislation

News release

June 24, 2022 — Ottawa, ON — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe announced that Bill S-10 received Royal Assent in Parliament on June 23, 2022, which brings into effect the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement. 

The Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement is the first self-government agreement of its kind in Ontario and marks an important step away from the Indian Act for the signatory Anishinabek First Nations. 

These self-government arrangements were developed in partnership with the Anishinabek Nation, and this 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. This represents another important step forward to renew relationships, close socio-economic gaps, and promote greater prosperity for today and for future generations.

Canada is committed to working with Indigenous partners to implement their inherent right to self-determination and support their visions of a better future for their communities.

Quotes

"Canada continues to work towards renewing nation-to-nation relationships and advancing self-determination, with Indigenous partners like the Anishinabek Nation. 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 Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations 

"On behalf of the Anishinabek Nation, I would like to extend our congratulations to the five First Nations on Bill S-10, Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement Act, receiving Royal Assent today. This marks yet another important milestone towards enactment. With Bill S-10 becoming law, communities are one step closer to realizing the true potential of the Agreement."

Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe 

Quick facts

  • In April 2022, the government joined Anishinabek First Nation leaders in signing the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement.

  • The signatory Anishinabek First Nations are: Magnetawan First Nation, Moose Deer Point First Nation, Nipissing First Nation, Wahnapitae First Nation, and Zhiibaahaasing First Nation.

  • Achieved through negotiations, this historic agreement is a key step away from the Indian Act for the signatory First Nations; it recognizes Anishinabek control over their governments and law-making powers in four key areas: 

    • leadership selection,
    • citizenship,
    • language and culture, and
    • government operations. 

Associated links

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Justine Leblanc
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations
justine.leblanc@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

CIRNAC Media Relations:
Email: RCAANC.Media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.ca
Phone: 819-934-2302

Laura Barrios
Communications Coordinator
Anishinabek Nation
Email: laura.barrios@anishinabek.ca
Phone: 705-498-1957

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