Anishinaabeg and Crown representatives fail to reach agreement

Anishinaabeg and Crown representatives met but could not reach agreement on payment for compensation for past use of the Anishinaabe territory. Manitoba becomes the 5th province in Canada, referred to as the “postage size” province, as a result of an agreement between the Crown and the Provisional Government of Louis Riel, to ensure Metis will keep the peace. The Metis Bill of Rights requires the Crown to finalize treaty-making with the Indians.

Treaty #3 Negotiations with Anishinaabeg Chiefs

Ottawa sends Treaty Commission of Alexander Morris, J.A.N. Provencher, and Simon J. Dawson to meet with the Ogichidaag, Mawedopenais of Rainy River, Powassin of Lake of the Woods, Sagacheway of Lac Seul and others. It was reported that 24 Chiefs and 1400 Anishinaabeg camped at Northwest Angle, with sacred ceremonies held. The Ogichidaag required the Commissioners party to wait until many had come in from the (wild)rice fields. Negotiations began with Morris explaining the intentions of the Queen’s representatives to finalize the Treaty. Mawedopenais emphasized that this was Anishinaabe land and waters, and that the Anishinaabeg governed their territory, “The Great Spirit planted us here. He has given us rules that we should follow to govern ourselves rightly.” The Ogichidaag emphasized over and over they controlled the lands and waters. Sagacheway said, “The waters out of which you sometimes take food for yourselves, we will lend them in return (for cattle).” The Ogichidaag would confer with thepeople and through ceremony, and return each day. They finally reached agreement on October 3rd.

Mawedopenais: “The words I have said are the words of the nation and have not been said in secret but openly so all could hear and I trust that those who are not present will not find fault with what we are about to do today. And, I trust, what we are about to do today is for the benefit of our nation as well as for our white brothers – that nothing but friendship will reign between the nation and our white brothers. And now I take off my glove to give you my hand and sign the Treaty.”

Dawson later met directly with Lac Seul and Seine River leaders and other Anishinaabeg to sign onto Treaty #3.

Note: Treaty #3 as published by Canada is not the full story. According to Commissioner Dawson’s report to the head of Indian Affairs, “in his haste to conclude an agreement, (Commissioner Morris) used as a finalized version the draft treaty (note: likely 1872 version) which did not reflect the new items of agreement”. These new items negotiated in 1873 certainly included that Treaty Commissioners promise to Anishinaabeg they would “forever have the use of the fisheries” as inducement to sign Treaty #3, and that they would be compensated if the fishery was affected. It included the right to hunting and ricing “as by the past” which entailed all technology and preparation before and after the harvest, throughout the whole traditional territory.

No single document covers all the terms of the Agreement known as Treaty #3. Also important in interpretation of Treaty#3 are notes by Half-Breed interpreters, Joseph and August Nolin, which match the oral tradition of the Anishinaabeg, and follow the order of discussion of Commissioner Morris’s report. Ogichidaa Powaasin was given a copy of these notes after the Treaty was signed, and they came to be in the possession of Ogichidaa Paypom some years later, and were kept safe by he and his family. They are now known as the Paypom Treaty. (See 1981, Paypom Treaty, attached).

Consolidated Indian Act and its Impact on Anishinaabe Governance and Treaty #3.

Consolidated Indian Act became law in Canada. Although the idea or purpose of any such legislation was never mentioned in any negotiations of the numbered treaties, this law henceforth controlled the Indians “from the cradle to the grave”. The oral tradition of Treaty #3 and the record of negotiations in Treaty #3 indicate clearly that Anishinaabe governance was to remain for its own people – forever. The silence on the matter of Anishinaabe governance in the official Treaty #3 document is significant in this regard.

Anishinaabe governance was to continue along with the British Crown, sailing in their own parallel lanes, in keeping with the two row wampum belt.

St. Catherine’s Milling Co. vs. Ontario

St. Catherine’s Milling Company was given a license by the federal government to cut timber in Treaty #3 territory, near Wabigoon. The Ontario government objected and let its own license to another company. The dispute went to court and was appealed and decided by highest court of appeal in Great Britain, the Privy Council. Ontario gained the benefit of the federal Crown – Anishinaabeg treaty-making in Treaty#3. The highest court of appeal ruled that Indians had only a “usufructory right…dependent upon the goodwill of the Sovereign”, and that the British North America Act, 1867, (now the Constitution Act, 1867) clearly gave crown land and natural resources to Ontario. This 19th century decision based on racist ideology became the foundation of case-law in so- called “Native law” of Canada. For generations to come, the precedent set out in the St. Catherine’s Milling Co. case was applied to deprive First Nations across Canada of their lands – until the Delgamuukw case in 1998.

Indian Residential Schools in Treaty #3 Territory

Education rights: Amendments to the Indian Act established Indian Residential Schools to be run by missionaries of different Catholic and Protestant faiths. The Government of Canada had made no move to follow the Treaty #3, to establish a school when the Indians shall desire it, not the clear promise from negotiations for a bilingual, bicultural education system. Immediately after Treaty-making in 1873, Rainy River and other Chiefs refused missionary school teacher, yet some Missionary schools were established on reserve. Indian Residential Schools were established across Treaty #3 territory: Cecilia Jeffrey (established by Presbyterian Church in Shoal Lake, then moved to Kenora, on present site of Grand Council Treaty #3 offices); St. Mary’s (Roman Catholic, located on Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation); St. Marguerite’s (Roman Catholic, on Couchiching First Nation); McIntosh (Roman Catholic, McIntosh), and Pelican Lake (Anglican, Hudson/Sioux Lookout). This is the highest concentration of Indian residential schools in one geographic area across Canada.

The Paypom Treaty

Ogichidaa Powassin of Northwest Angle, who was Treaty negotiator and signatory to Treaty #3 in 1873,met photographer C.G. Linde at Bukatay Island, and gives his copy of Treaty#3 promises. Later, Linde sells this copy to Ogichidaa Allan Paypom for $5000, that Paypom himself made and paid. This document, kept safe by Paypom and his family, agrees with the Anishinaabeg oral tradition of Treaty 3, is the same as attached in the Crown Treaty Commissioner’s report, and becomes known as the Paypom Treaty. Linde spent much time with Powassin and his collection of photographs document Powassin and his family living at this time on the land and waters of Lake of the Woods.

Indian Status Registry and the Anglicization of Anishinaabe Names

The federal government had established the Indian Status Registry to carry out the membership provisions of the Indian Act. At this time, undertook to change all traditional Anishinaabe names to English or French during the annual Treaty #3 annuities payments and Indian Agent census of all reserves.

There are many stories regarding the history of all of our names, including the families like Friday, Tuesday, Bushkaygin, Indian, George, Big George and so on.

Forced Relocation and Surrender of Anishinaabeg Lands on Rainy River

The Anishinaabeg of seven reserve settlements – Little Forks, Hungry Hall 1&2, Long Sault 1&2 and Manitou Rapids 1&2 – were forced to surrender their lands on Rainy River into Lake of the Woods – some of the best quality agricultural lands in the country – and move onto one reserve at Manitou Rapids. Ontario would then confirm all reserves in Treaty #3 in their 1915 legislation. This is just one of the impacts of both the 1888 St. Catherine’s Milling Co. and 1889 Ontario- Manitoba Boundary court decisions.

Ontario Confirms Treaty #3 Reserves, Impacts on Anishinaabeg

Ontario passes an Act to Confirmthe Reserves in Treaty #3. Some immediate impacts included: The Sturgeon Lake band was “extinguished” to enable Quetico Park to be established, sending Anishinaabeg to Lac La Croix, Seine River and Lac des Mille Lacs (This remains as outstanding land claim in 2013).

Rainy River bands were forced to amalgamate and move to Manitou Rapids (land claim settled 2007). This Ontario legislation specifically rejected the headland boundaries. Canada did not pass either an Order in Council nor legislation accepting Ontario’s law. The head lands case continues unresolved, almost 100 years later.

Indian Veterans Impact Indian Act revisions

1949-1951: Indian Act revisions – Indian Veterans met the Parliamentary Committee with mandate to propose needed changes to the Indian Act. The Veterans who presented had a major impact that directly led to deletion of sections of the Act which had outlawed ceremonies and had prevented Indians from going to court to resolve land, and other issues. But enfranchisement and land surrender sections continued, as did Indian Residential Schools.

While Anishinaabe veterans from WWI and WWII went on to form and lead Indian organizations across Canada, the federal government denied our veterans the same allocations of land, education and training, given to non- Native veterans. Discriminatory treatment in land, education and training benefits for Native soldiers who fought side-by-side in battlefield and in trenches with non-Native soldiers was the story across the country. Some veterans were not welcomed in Veteran’s halls, due to Indian Act preventing Indians from having drink in public places.

Treaty #3 Anishinaabeg were jailed for hunting, fishing, and cutting timber, all to feed and house their families according to the promises of Treaty #3 to continue the Anishinaabeg livelihood.

Revitalization of Grand Council Treaty #3 and Advocacy for Water Boundaries

Pete Seymour, Frank White, Paul Pitchinese and Fred Greene revitalized the Grand Council Treaty #3, traveling and meeting on many reserves to discuss action on common issues.

Pete Seymour and Frank White went to Ottawa to advocate for Claims Commission to decide water boundaries of reserves (Headlands issue of 1891).

An Indigenous Call for Action and Justice in 1960s Kenora, Canada

Kenora March – In the 1960’s era of civil rights movement across North America, protests for peace around the world, and the rebirth of Native organizations, Fred Kelly, Sabaskong, is working for Kenora Children’s Aid Society, and visits nearby reserves. He organizes a rally and peaceful march, calling for specific action to remedy major issues in Kenora. He allies with Dan Hill, Ontario Human Rights Commissioner, and Alan Borovoy, lawyer for the Canadian Human Rights Commission, and some local Kenora concerned citizens, such as Jack Doner, nurse Lassie Maloney, and others. Despite townspeople’s concern about potential violence by the Indians, buses of Anishinaabeg came to town in November, and 400 marchers walk in silence to the Kenora Town Hall.

There, Fred Kelly and Grand Council Treaty #3 leader Pete Seymour read their brief to the Town, who were to forward it to federal and Ontario governments.

Their demands were to: extend the trapping season in the spring; extend phone service to all reserves; establish Ontario Human Rights Commission office to counter the overt racism and discrimination against Anishinaabeg; and establish an Ontario Addictions Research Foundation office in Kenora. Most of their demands were met.

The White Paper on Indian Policy: Impact and Response in Canada

The government of Canada refused to listen to hearings in Anishinaabemowin and all Native languages. Prime Minister Trudeau issues a policy paper, infamously called, “the White Paper on Indian Policy”, calling for a Just Society with equality for all. The Paper dismissed treaties and questioned how one sector of Canadian society could have treaties with another. It dismissed Aboriginal title and Aboriginal rights as “too vague and ill-defined”, and called for sweeping changes to get rid of the Indian Act, and hence, “the problem”.

The White Paper led to immediate protests by Indian people across Canada. The unified response led to major changes, including the reorganization of the National Indian Brotherhood and establishing its Ottawa office, and funding for an Indian Claims Commission to review claims and for Indian organizations to research land claims. As well, the Secretary of State initiated a program of consultation funding to Indian organizations, to advise the federal government.

Ojibway Warriors Society Occupation of Anicinabe Park

Anicinabe Park, Kenora. Louie Cameron (Wabaaseemoong), Tommy Keesick (Grassy Narrows), Ron Seymour (Assabaska), Joe Bird (Whitefish Bay) – as members of the movement they called the Ojibway Warriors Society – and several others, plan a Treaty #3 Youth Gathering for 3 days at a local Kenora park. The name came from this being the location of the “Indian House” (where Anishinaabeg used to stay, when in town to visit their children in residential schools, see doctors, shop, etc.) had been situated years before. Three American Indian Movement visitors spoke of the need to protect their people and their culture. Instead of leaving the Park when the conference was over, the Ojibway Warrior Society occupied the Park and demanded the land back as Indian land. There was a standoff for several weeks with the Ontario Provincial Police surrounding the park with guns. The Warriors also had guns and went hunting for ducks to feed the people. Tensions ran high during several weeks, with townspeople calling for their ouster, the young people drumming and singing into the night, and Chiefs and Elders meeting to confer with Town, provincial and federal representatives to end the occupation peacefully. On August 19th, the occupation ended. Three Warriors were charged and jailed, but none were convicted. The land was not returned. However, one of the demands of the Warrior Society was to establish a Native Street Patrol to protect the Anishinaabeg on the streets of Kenora, which was implemented and became an awardwinning initiative. Youth, Elders, and Chiefs took note of what direct action can do.

Ojibway Warrior Society Joins Caravan to Ottawa, Occupies Indian Embassy

September. The Ojibway Warrior Society of Treaty #3 joins the Caravan going to Ottawa for the opening of Parliament. Hundreds of Anishinaabeg and Native youth demonstrated on Parliament Hill – and were met by barbed wire barricades and the first-ever use of the RCMP Riot Police. (This was just one week after milk farmers had rammed their way into Parliament and thrown milk at the Agriculture Minister and the building. No action was taken against those protestors and no riot police were called. Only NDP leader and MP Ed Broadbent raised the issue in the House of Commons, to ask about the human rights of Indian peoples in Canada, and raged against the first use of riot police on Parliament Hill.)

The Caravan moved from the Hill to occupy an abandoned building on a nearby island, and founded the Indian Embassy. This direct action enabled the National Indian Brotherhood to meet Cabinet Ministers to resolve the occupation peacefully, and to establish a series of joint working groups to address issues the youth had raised: Indian Act, Housing, Land Claims, etc. The youth left when the process began. However, the Ojibway Warrior Society was not invited to the high-level bilateral discussions. The Indian political leaders who did attend, found that, without adequate resources, the bureaucrats were controlling the talks and ensuring no action. This process broke down after a year or so.

Treaty #3 Grand Chief advocates for Treaty Rights during Constitution Patriation

1979-1981: Prime Minister Trudeau moves to patriate a Constitution for Canada. In 1981, Treaty#3 Grand Chief Robin Greene, Maachipiness, paid his own way to London, England to join the Chiefs across Canada delegation lobbying MPs and House of Lords. Together, they advocate against any violation of Treaties and separation from the Queen, and build public awareness on both sides of the Atlantic, of our treaty and inherent rights as the original peoples of Canada.

Treaty #3 Grand Chief welcomes Governor General and affirms Treaty promises

Treaty #3 Grand Chief Maachipiness (Robin Greene) welcomes Governor General Ed Schreyer and his friend, artist Jackson Beardy, at Animakee Wa Zhing, Northwest Angle 33, to celebrate Treaty3 anniversary. Elder Allan Paypom gave the Queen’s highest representative in Canada a copy of the Paypom Treaty, the written version of the oral tradition of our people regarding Treaty #3 promises (see 1873). The Governor General said this certainly seemed to be the Treaty and he undertook to give this to the Government of Canada.

Our Elders spoke of Treaty promises as they had been told, with Powaasin’s great, great grandson, Shorty, saying it would take days to relate what he had heard. Neo Giizhik (Walter Oshie) of Northwest Angle 37 picked up earth in hand, let the rocks and sticks fall through, and said, we never gave up our resources, and we agreed only to share this earth, as deep as plough could furrow. In effect, Niiogiishig was telling Canada that the Crown only had a “usufructory right” to use the land; that Anishinaabeg remained the landlords. “The Creator planted us here, and gave us rules to govern ourselves rightly”, as Mawendopenais said in 1873.

First Ministers meet with AFN, MNC, and ITK leaders to recommend historic constitutional amendments

1983, 1984, 1986, 1987: First Ministers meetings with leaders of the national organizations, Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Metis National Congress (MNC), and the Inuit Tapirisat Kanatami (ITK). The 1983 meeting recommended the first ever made in Canada constitutional amendments, which proceeded to be adopted by Parliament and the provincial legislatures. These amendments stated that rights of section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, applied equally to men and women, and that section 35 rights applied to modern day treaties, such as James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement, 1975, and others under discussion. These constitutional amendments remain the only ones made in Canada, to date (2013).

Supreme Court Judgments on Existing Treaty and Aboriginal Rights (1983-1985)

1983-1985: A series of Supreme Court judgments give substance to how “existing treaty and aboriginal rights” of section 35 would be interpreted:

• ”lndian treaties should be given a fair, large and liberal construction in favour of the Indians” (Nowegeshig, 1983)
• Aboriginal and treatyrights were legallyenforceable and the Crown had a “fiduciary responsibility”, which was more than a mere “political trust” and in cases of breach, compensation must be paid, remedies made. (Guearin, 1984)
• Treaties were to be considered “sui generis”, unique, and unlike either contracts or international treaties. (Simon, 1985)
• ”The intention to create ‘mutually binding obligations’ is of primary importance; the form that the treaty takes is secondary”, and “preservation of the natural environment may be a precondition for the exercise of native religion” (Sioui, 1990)

Revitalized Traditional Selection Process: Francis Kavanaugh chosen as Grand Chief of Treaty #3 Anishinaabe Nation

Francis Kavanaugh of Naotkamegwanning First Nation was chosen as Grand Chief of Treaty #3 Anishinaabe Nation in a successful implementation of the revitalized Traditional Selection Process. This sacred process involves specific placements of items in a sacred setting, an opening prayer, nominations with tobacco offerings, a selection process where supporters stand behind their preferred candidate until one is left standing, an inauguration with the passing of sacred items from the previous leader to the new leader, and a closing honour song. This process has been used for various regional and Grand Chief selection processes, contributing to the preservation and revival of traditional practices.

The Treaty #3 Resource Law of the Anishinaabe Nation

The Elders gathering in Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah- Nung at Manito Ochi-waan on April 22 and 23, 1997 and on July 31, 1997, approved this law and respectfully petitioned the National Assembly to adopt it as a temporal law of the Nation. The Nation, with approval of the Elders and validation in traditional ceremony, and with ratification by the National Assembly, proclaimed this law on the 3rd day of October 1997. The name of the law is Manito Aki Inakonigaawin, the Treaty #3 Resource Law framed on Treaty principles.

The Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3 maintains rights to all lands and water in the Treaty#3 territory commonly referred to Northwestern Ontario and south-eastern Manitoba. Accordingly, any development in the 55,000 square miles of the Treaty #3 Territory such as, but not limited to, forestry, mining, hydro, highways and pipeline systems that operate in the Treaty #3 Territory require the consent, agreement and participation of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3. In exercising its authority, the Grand Council expresses concern with proponents (corporations, developers, etc.) who carry out business activities that may result in destruction to the environment or interfere with the traditional activities of individual or collective members of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3. We agree with the Supreme Court of Canada that ultimate liability lies with the Crown.

Grand Council Treaty #3 recognizes the potential for adversely affecting the exercise of aboriginal and treaty rights impacted through certain business activities. In order to eliminate or minimize these adverse effects, the Grand Council is prepared to hold discussions or potential negotiations with proponents who wish to carry out business operations in Treaty #3 Territory. However, the appropriate role of the Crown must not be forgotten.

Grand Council Treaty #3 is prepared to offer any proponent the opportunity to take advantage of specific Treaty #3 authorizations that will provide clear authority to conduct their business ventures and create legal certainty to legitimize these developments in Treaty #3 Territory. It is the goal of the Grand Council to establish strong working relationships with any proponent who respects Anishinaabe values and principles on the environment.

This Anishinaabe Law under which proponents may satisfy the Constitution Act, 1982, as directed by recent Supreme Court’s rulings. The Court has said many times that aboriginal people must be consulted properly about effects on their treaty and aboriginal rights. The Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3 has a law that provides a traditionally-ratified process to frame the discussions: Manito Aki Inakonigaawin.

Bell Canada and Grand Council Treaty #3 Sign Agreement for Fibre Optics Cable through Treaty #3 Territory

1998 May: Bell Canada and Grand Council Treaty #3 sign an agreement believed to be the first of its kind in Canada, to run a fibre optics cable through Treaty #3 territory, including seven reserves. Bell pays lump sum plus annual amount fees each year for 20 year agreement that also includes environmental considerations, in keeping with Treaty #3’s Manito Aki Resource Law. Negotiations for the line began in 1994-5 and the Anishinaabeg of Treaty #3 gave approval in good faith to proceed with construction before final authorization and official announcement in 1998.

"We Have Kept Our Part of the Treaty": The Anishinaabe Understanding of Treaty#3

Grand Council Treaty#3 Treaties & Aboriginal Rights Research (TARR) publishes “We have kept our part of the Treaty” The Anishinaabe Understanding of Treaty#3. This booklet outlines clearly the differences between “Treaty #3 as published by Canada” and “the Agreement known as Treaty #3”. “No single document completely covers all the terms of the Agreement known as Treaty #3”.

All records of the negotiations the oral tradition of the Anishinaabeg passed down through generations in our language, must be considered. Our oral tradition is documented in papers Treaty Commissioner Alexander Morris submitted with his report to government in 1873, and are also contained in notes given to Ogichidaa Powassin at the signing of Treaty#3, and made their way some years later to Ogichidaa Allan Paypom, to become known as the Paypom Treaty.

Anishinaabe Achievers of Treaty #3 Nation Honored at Celebration in Kenora with Commemorative Booklet

Celebration of Anishinaabe Achievers of the Treaty #3 Nation was held in Kenora, with a dinner and presentation of this Commemorative Edition to all 53 people honoured. “This book gives a brief history of the Anishinaabe understanding of Treaty #3 of 1873. It honors and recognizes the achievements of 53 members of the Anishinaabe of Treaty #3 Nation who have overcome institutionalized and systemic barriers of racism and colonialism to achieve great accomplishments.” In one achiever’s words, “Before the time of Columbus in 1492, we had a way of life given to us by the Creator. Just because we are in the ‘new Millennium’ does not mean those ways are irrelevant. We need to be reconnected to those ways. But to be successful, one must also pursue education.”

Canada's plan to end headlands issue disregards Treaty #3 First Nations' water boundaries

Headlands issue: Canada orders finalization of shoreline (not headland water) boundaries for Treaty #3 reserves, and states that Natural Resources Canada surveyors were not to take into consideration the 1891 legislation, which is against their professional duty. Canada is in ongoing discussions with Ontario – excluding the First Nations – with this plan to end the headlands issue. For any First Nations deciding to operate under the First Nations Land Management Act, the federal maps were being completed with shoreline boundaries. Indian Affairs is taking the position that First Nations could then decide whether to make a ‘claim’ or not regarding headland water boundaries, and if First Nations succeed, then the boundary could be “moved”. This change in Canada’s position of supporting Treaty #3 First Nations in headlands water boundaries for decades after Treaty, toward now supporting Ontario’s 1915 legislation is a total rewriting of history – by eliminating any evidence of past confirmation that our reserves originally contained water boundaries – without any involvement or notification to Treaty #3 First Nations. Treaty #3 Anishinaabeg press Canada and Ontario that the Honour of the Crown is at stake and they have a duty to consult and accommodate. Treaty#3 Anishinaabeg to continue to press for recognition of water boundaries with full management within them and co-management of waters and resources outside of reserve limits but within Treaty#3 traditional territory.

Treaty #3 files claim against Canada for breach of education promise

Ogichidaakwe Diane Kelly and Grand Council Treaty #3 File a Claim against the Federal government for the breach of the Treaty #3 Education promise. Treaty #3 is known for having the strongest education promise. Elders have said that without the education guarantee made as the Treaty negotiations were winding down, agreement likely would not have been reached. Chief Sakatcheway of Lac Seul said at that time “If you give what I ask, the time may come when I will ask you to lend me one of your daughters and one of your sons to live with us; and in return I will lend you one of my daughters and one of my sons for you to teach what is good, and after they have learned, to teach us. If you grant us what I ask, although I do not know you, I will shake hands with you.”

Treaty #3 establishes Youth Executive Council to engage and empower young leaders

2012 May: The Anishinaabe Nation of Treaty #3 acknowledges and values the vital role of Treaty #3 Youth within our Nation. In recognition of this, an interim Treaty #3 Youth Executive Council was appointed on May 28, 2012, with representatives including Alex Petiquan, Michael Moore, Rayanna Seymour, Cassandra Cochrane, Brenna Adams, Tamara Gibbins, and Dennis Copenace. This council was established with the aim of actively engaging youth in the leadership and governance of the nation, working towards empowering and involving young members of the community in decision-making processes.

Treaty #3 Chiefs join other Canadian Chiefs to seek consensus

2013 January: Chiefs from across Canada meet with the AFN National Chief to seek consensus on boycotting lastminute meeting with PM due to lack of involvement of Governor General in meeting, and lack of respect shown to Attawapiskat Chief and Elders on hunger strike. Treaty Chiefs (for most part) boycott the meeting, but AFN National Chief Atleo, James Bay Grand Chief Mathew Coon Come, and others attend. No agreement reached at table. Harper government makes further severe cuts to AFN and pursues drafting a proposed First Nations Education Act, with “willing partners” of First Nations.

Treaty #3 Chiefs Implement Four Directions Governance Model

2017 July: The Treaty #3 Chiefs approve and implement a new governance structure, known as the Treaty #3 Four Directions Governance Model. This model is based on traditional ways, rather than government requirements. It includes the rights of each Treaty #3 First Nation and is designed to be a flexible structure that can be modified as needed. The approval and implementation of this governance model reflects the commitment of the Treaty #3 Chiefs to uphold their inherent rights and honor their traditions while providing a framework for effective governance within their communities.

Grand Council Treaty #3 opens Kaakewaaseya Justice Office in Dryden, Ontario

2018 July: Grand Council Treaty #3 opens Kaakewaaseya Justice Office in Dryden, Ontario, in partnership with the Indigenous Justice Division of the Ministry of the Attorney General. The office aims to provide improved justice services to Treaty #3 members. Grand Council Treaty #3 also has offices providing justice services in Kenora, Fort Frances, Wabaseemoong, Grassy Narrows, Naotkamegwanning, Onigaming, Naicatchewenin and Lac Seul.

First Nation leaders sign unity agreement to voice concerns and interests on twinning Trans-Canada Highway

2018 October: First Nation leaders gathered in Thunder Bay to meet with Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation regarding the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway from Kenora to Manitoba. They signed a unity agreement to voice their concerns and interests, expressing a desire to work with governments, industry, and communities. They emphasized the importance of being involved from the outset, as they hold knowledge of the territory, and highlighted the need for safety, economic benefits, and recognition as the keepers of the land.

First-ever Treaty #3 Men's Council

2019 April: On April 18th, the first-ever Treaty #3 Men’s Council was traditionally selected at Migisi Sahgaigan Roundhouse. The selected members are Andrew Johnson (Seine River), Bill Petiquan (Wabauskang), Nathaniel Councillor (Naicatchewenin), and Daryl Redsky (Shoal Lake 40). The Mamawichi-Gabowitaa-Ininiwag Men’s Council represents the needs and aspirations of Anishinaabe men in the Treaty 3 territory.

Nibi Declaration established & launched.

Nibi Declaration established & launched. The development of a water declaration would ensure that Treaty #3 Anishinaabe Nibi Inaakonigewin (water law principles) are recorded and formally recognized in governance processes. The declaration will guide GCT3 Leadership in the creation of future policy and decisionmaking processes that relate to water. Another component of the declaration is to inspire people to take action to protect water through the development of a toolkit that contains curriculum based learning tools and information on how to get involved in the further development of this important work.

Grand Chief of Treaty #3 Acknowledges the Completion of the Final Report of MMIWG National Inquiry

2019 June: Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh, Grand Chief of Grand Council Treaty #3, acknowledges the completion of the Final Report of the MMIWG National Inquiry and emphasizes the need for real action to implement the recommendations and end the cycle of violence against Indigenous women and girls. Treaty #3 leadership expresses support for all 231 Calls for Justice and commits to working with governments, families, communities, and the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty#3 to implement the recommendations in various areas.

Traditional Selection Process of the Youth Executive Council

2019 September: Youth from Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3 gathered at Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation Roundhouse for the Traditional Selection Process of the Youth Executive Council. Supported by community Elders and the community drum. The new Youth Executive Council members are Liam George (Naongashiing), Winter Lipscombe (Wauzhushk Onigum), Kayla Morrison (Onigaming), and Ernie Cobiness Jr (Buffalo Point).

Tripartite education MOU signed to support First Nations control of education in Northwestern Ontario.

2021 May: Grand Council Treaty #3, Canada, and Ontario signed a tripartite education Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support First Nations control of education, preserve culture, and improve student success in Northwestern Ontario. The MOU aims to create a collaborative forum and has been signed by 17 First Nations, with flexibility for others to join in the future. The ceremony highlights the commitment to a renewed, nation-to-nation relationship and fostering partnerships for better educational opportunities for First Nations students.

Supreme Court of Canada finds Canada breached fiduciary obligations

2021 July: The Supreme Court of Canada released its decision in Southwind, finding that Canada breached its fiduciary obligations and was obligated to provide the highest compensation possible, including compensation for anticipated land use for hydroelectricity generation, to Lac Seul First Nation (LSFN) for the flooding of their reserves. The Court ordered a reassessment of equitable compensation, considering the lost opportunity to negotiate an agreement reflecting the value of the land for the hydroelectricity project. The decision was a significant victory for Treaty #3 First Nations and other First Nations seeking compensation for breaches of the Crown’s obligations regarding reserve lands. The Grand Council also participated as an intervenor in the appeal to protect the rights and interests of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3.

Traditional Selection Process held for new Women's Council in Treaty #3 Anishinaabe Nation

2021 September: Women from Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3 gathered at David Kejick School in Iskatewizaagegan #39 First Nation for the Traditional Selection process to form the new Women’s Council. The process included community drumming, songs, and the Four Directional Model of Governance. The new council members selected are Anita Collins (Seine River), Catherine Green (Shoal Lake #40), Mona Gordon (Lac Seul), and Priscilla Simard (Couchiching).

The Grand Council Treaty #3 established its first-ever LGBTQ2S+ Council

2021 November: The Grand Council Treaty #3 established its first-ever LGBTQ2S+ Council through a Traditional Selection Process held at the Turtle Round House in Grassy Narrows First Nation on November 6, 2021. The selection was supported by Two-Spirited elder Gayle Pruden and community Elders, and the Grassy Narrows Women’s Drum group. The selected LGBTQ2S+ Council members are Shayla Hourie (Naongashiing), Dee Jourdain (Couchiching), Kieran Davis (Lac Seul), and Melody McKiver (Lac Seul). Chief Randy Fobister of Grassy Narrows and Ogichidaa Kavanaugh expressed pride in the historical event and the importance of representation in governance.

Fort Frances-International Falls International Bridge was Officially Announced to be Under New Ownership

2022 May: On May 20th, the Fort Frances-International Falls International Bridge was officially announced to be under new ownership, making it a unique entity among all bridges in Canada. The Aazhogan Limited Partnership, made up of Rainy River First Nations (RRFN) and the BMI Group, announced the acquisition of both sides of the bridge, making it one of only two privately-owned international bridges in Canada and the only one to be owned by an Anishinaabe group. The acquisition was celebrated at a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on the Canadian side of the bridge, with representatives from surrounding municipalities and communities in attendance. The Rainy River First Nations Chief, Robin McGinnis, called the acquisition a significant achievement that will reconnect people on both sides of the border and bring the river crossing back to the Anishinaabe community. The Aazhogan Limited Partnership plans to continue investing in economic development opportunities for the region, and the bridge will continue to operate as usual, with tolls collected from motorists on the U.S. side of the border.

Memorandum of Understanding Signed

2022 October: Grand Council Treaty #3, the Kenora District Services Board, and Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to improve affordable housing and Early Years, Child Care and Education programming for families throughout the Treaty #3 territory. Through the Treaty #3 traditional legal framework, Manito Aki Inakonigaawin, GCT#3, KDSB, and RRDSSAB will jointly develop a pathway forward that benefits families and individuals to overcome both social and economic barriers throughout Treaty #3.

Preliminary Findings of Potential Gravesites at St. Mary’s Indian Residential School

2023 January: The Kaatagoging Survivor’s group of the St. Mary’s Indian Residential School announces the preliminary findings of 171 potential grave sites at the school site, prompting heartbreak and mourning from the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3, as well as a call for support and connection. The Grand Council Treaty #3 acknowledges the difficult nature of this work and reaffirms their commitment to standing alongside Wauzhushk Onigum on the path to truth and healing

Grand Council Treaty #3 launches Treaty #3 Geoportal for Data Sovereignty and Sharing

2023 January: The Grand Council Treaty #3 Territorial Planning Unit launches the Treaty #3 Geoportal, an interactive tool for data storage and sharing across the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3. The Geoportal allows communities and organizations to securely store and share data, facilitating information exchange on resource activities, economic opportunities, sacred sites, and more, to support decision making based on Anishinaabe knowledge and Western Science, and assert data sovereignty in Treaty #3 territory.

Kenora Justice Centre Opens to Address Root Causes of Crime and Provide Indigenous-led Support Programs

2023 February: The Ontario government, in collaboration with Indigenous leaders, the Ontario Court of Justice and community partners, launched the opening of the Kenora Justice Centre. The centre aims to address the root causes of crime and provide support for at-risk youth and young adults. It will offer Indigenousled support programs, wrap-around services, and culturally appropriate justice services. The centre is a step towards addressing the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the justice system and promoting healing and wellness in the community.

Nibi Portal Launched

2023 February: The Treaty #3 Women’s Council and the Grand Council Treaty #3 Territorial Planning Unit launch the Treaty #3 Nibi Portal (NIBI.GCT3.CA), an online space aimed at sharing teachings, experiences, and responsibilities related to Nibi (water). The portal features educational resources, art, and opportunities for connection with like-minded individuals and communities, and is a continuation of the work to preserve, protect, and respect Nibi based on the values of the Nibi Declaration. The launch of the Nibi Portal is a significant step towards fulfilling the sacred responsibility and authority of the Anishinaabe people towards Nibi, and acknowledges the support of Decolonizing Water in this endeavor.