Treaty 2 Territory – On Wednesday, 13 January 2021 the Knowledge Council met to review the current governance, Wiisaakodaadiiwin Gizhibaabwewin (Unity Circle), FNT2T Lodge and reviewed the new FNT2T sovereign administration.
Karen Kejick, Policy Keeper and A/Health and Wellness Keeper continued to work with our Knowledge Keepers on Wiisaakodaadiiwin Gizhibaabwewin (Unity Circle). The Knowledge Council have been working on the following; The vision that the Anishinaabe Peoples of Treaty 2 Territory have is to act ethically with the highest honour in personal and professional conduct in accordance with the supreme principle of Wiisaakodaadiiwin, (Unity). While maintaining the understanding that there may be deliberations in the law making process and contributions made by every lead spokesperson that is viewed as an expert in this area is necessary.
The sacred reciprocity and connection to our ancestors and leaders before us is also recognized in this spiritual realm as Giizhibaabwewin. In that we value everyone that is part of the everlasting circle and a sacred connection to our identity as Anishinaabe peoples.
The FNT2T Lodge spent some time presenting a briefing note on official naming, which has been tabled and will be discussed during the next Council.
The Knowledge Council and Lodge discussed the Seven Principles of Anishinaabe Mino Bimaadiziwin.
All along this red road of life, we are the Anishinaabe. Life that has been given to us by Gitchi Manidoo. Each and every one of us has been given gifts by Gitchi Manidoo, including Mino Bimaadiziwin, Living the Good Life.
To live Mino Bimaadiziwin, we must return to the teachings, to the way of understanding and speaking Anishinaabemowin. Bishkaabayaang, the returning of our Teachings, is the first step in the process of being Anishinaabe.
The Anishinaabe Mino Bimaadiziwin Principles provide the means to live and learn as an Anishinaabe way of life. These principles will be used to guide the earth lodge in developing programs, education, research, and projects. The Lodge will be a place to unite our common vision and help guide the Anishinaabe, as we build a bridge between our ancestral past and our future.
Our Knowledge Keepers have provided us with Direction
We have been told by our Ancestors from across Turtle Island that it is not One Nation, but Many Nations that inherit the responsibility of looking after the land.
We have been told that “All Creation Stories are true.” Our task is to understand and honour our own Creation Story, and the Creation Stories from the Anishinaabeg, as the Original Peoples, of the land.
We have been told that our ways of life can be found in our Language. It is in our language that we learn our Anishinaabeg culture, customs, well-being, and history.
We have been told to stand strong and be proud to be Anishinaabe, and to remember our Ancestors, for what they stood for, what they lived through and to ensure that our children to come should receive these gifts. It is our responsibility and obligation to do so.
We have been told to use the knowledge of our Ancestors, the knowledge of who we are as Anishinaabe, and to develop an Anishinaabe way of life for today’s world. This will provide a better world for the Anishinaabe children of tomorrow.
References:
http://fnt2t.com/24x36_Charts_January_2021/FNT2TGovernanceBooklet2021.pdf
Last modified: January 18, 2021
