Anishinabek Nation facts for kids
| Motto | Ngo Dwe Waanigzid Anishinabe (One Anishinabe Family) |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1949 |
| Headquarters | Anishinabek Nation Head Office |
| Location | |
|
Membership
|
39 First Nations |
|
Official language
|
Anishinabemowin (Ojibwe) |
|
Grand Council Chief
|
Reg Niganobe |
|
Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief (Northern Superior)
|
Mel Hardy |
|
Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief (Southeast)
|
James R. Marsden |
|
Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief (Southwest)
|
Chief Christopher Plain |
|
Key people
|
Marcia Trudeau-Bomberry, CEO |
|
Main organ
|
Grand Council Assembly |
|
Formerly called
|
Union of Ontario Indians |
The Anishinabek Nation, also known as the Union of Ontario Indians, is an important organization for First Nations people in Ontario, Canada. It represents 39 different Anishinabek Nation First Nations in Canada communities.
The history of this organization goes back a long time, even before Europeans arrived in the 1500s. Its roots are in the Council of Three Fires, which was a historic alliance of Anishinaabe peoples.
The "Union of Ontario Indians" was officially created in 1949. Its main job was to speak up for the Anishinabek First Nations. It also helped manage their affairs. The Anishinabek people speak their traditional languages, like Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) and Lunaape. These languages are spoken in the Anishinabek Nation territory in Ontario.
In 2017, the organization decided to use the name "Anishinabek Nation" for most things. They still use "Union of Ontario Indians" for official legal documents. The main office for the Anishinabek Nation is located at Nipissing First Nation, close to North Bay, Ontario.
How the Anishinabek Nation is Led
The Anishinabek Nation is guided by a group called the Leadership Council. This council includes a Grand Council Chief, who is the main leader. There are also four Regional Deputy Grand Council Chiefs. These chiefs represent four different areas: Southeast, Southwest, Lake Huron, and Northern Superior.
In 2018, the organization made some changes to its structure. This is when the four regional deputy grand council chiefs were introduced. In 2007, the Anishinabek Nation also created a special group called the Anishinabek Women's Water Commission. This group gives advice on important water issues, especially concerning the Great Lakes. As of May 2022, the Grand Council Chief is Reg Niganobe.
Who are the Anishinabek Nation Members?
In the early 2000s, there were about 60,000 people who were citizens of the Anishinabek Nation communities. This number makes up about one-third of all First Nations people living in Ontario.
See also
- Anishinabek Police Service
- Anishinabek Educational Institute
- Anishinabek News
