Nation-Based Sovereign-Based Government

Chief David LeDoux

Chief David LeDoux

Chief David Ledoux Niigaanii

Wednesday, 27 January 2021

Chief David Ledoux
Gambler Anishinaabe Nation 

Re: Governing Council Update on Sovereign Implementation of Resolutions (06-12-18/08-07-19/09-03-20)

Dear Chief David Ledoux,

It is an honour to be writing to you as 2021 gets underway. As a Nation our Anishinaabe style of governing continues to guide our collective efforts to improve the quality life for our peoples. We focus here on Nation and Economic Sovereignty – the strategies to bravely defend our rights to our Territorial lands. 

While we remain steady to call on both the Government of Canada and Manitoba to honour the Treaty relationship and come to the political circle with appropriate frameworks to deal with matters and interests. The Anishinaabe political will is palpable despite some of the political impasses.  And as Ogemaag we understand that it is in our Anishinaabe constitutional duties to devise, structure and lead our own sovereign and inherent governing way of life.

As you may recall during the December 2020 meeting, some of the Nation-building outcomes identified Chief leads responsible for each of the Nation’s seven circles. Therefore, an overview pertaining to you leading the Nation and Economic Development Circle.

NATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Prior to entering into Treaty, our Local Nations had Inherent Rights which included governance and management of our resources.FNT2T works with Local Nations enhancing their governance structures and economic development activities so that they may begin to move away from the Indian Act. FNT2T aligns itself and takes direction from the Local Nations through FNT2T’s Regional Offices and Local Nation Helpers. FNT2T leads collective economic development activities through local and territorial laws that pertain to business and economic development.

It is the responsibility of FNT2T, through the Nation Development Circle, to provide a good life, minoo-bi-maadiziiwin, as was the intent of our ancestors who made Treaty. 

Objectives of the Nation Development:

  • Ancestral Law Development
  • Governance Structures
  • Planning, Management and Administration
  • Local Nation Membership and FNT2T Membership
  • Infrastructure and Housing

The above objectives, with the exception of infrastructure and housing, is included in a governance and recognition agreement. 

The Law-making of Nation Development through the FNT2T Regional Office has an overall strategic plan which is:

  • Law Development – Local Nations and FNT2T Onankonehkawin (first law/constitution) and Ohnushsheewehwiin (secondary laws);
  • Coordination with Local Nation Helpers on yearly workplan development;
  • Communication which includes website development, blogging and posting of stories;
  • Engagement strategy with Local Nations and FNT2T including open houses, kitchen tables sessions, regional meetings;
  • Capacity building and training through the Life Long Learning Lodge;
  • Sovereignty workshops and sessions to bring FNT2T together;
  • Nation Development training for Local Nation Helpers;
  • Continued training in constitutional development and law making;
  • Nation Planning; and introduction of FNT2T Government to Local Nation agencies and service providers.

Objectives of Economic Development:

  • Develop, create and implement economic opportunities
  • Land, resources and water management
  • Management of economic development trusts
  • Management of the Treasury (a Board made up of CPAs from each Local Nation to manage financial accountability)

 Resources continue to be extracted in Treaty 2 Territory without the consent of the Local Nations and FNT2T.

FNT2T Economic Development has an overall strategic plan which will:

  • Establish a trust fund as it will be the foundation that FNT2T trust funds are managed;
  • Establish a trust for land to take legal ownership, stewardship, and control over lands in Treaty 2 Territory;
  • Establish a conservation land trust that protects and restores the natural world, resources, land, water, air, and wildlife;
  • Establish a treasury committee to manage trust funds; and
  • building and managing government infrastructure.

In the restoration of economic self-sufficiency, Local Nations and FNT2T are not opposed to development and want to prosper. The Local Nations and FNT2T will enter into agreements with Canada and other countries to collaborate and support the objectives of nation and economic development.

To conclude, I want to express my sincerest gratitude for the strong and exemplary leadership you continue to demonstrate with this important role in addition to the Chieftainship responsibilities within your Local Nation. Our duties and obligations to serve during these challenging times are to be commended. As we gain momentum, I remain committed to reaching the highest aspirations as the original ancestral government of Mikinaak Minis.

Gichi Miigwetch,

Ogichidaa Eugene Eastman
Chief, O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi Anishinaabe Nation

Otahaoman Anishinaabe Nation

Nation and Economic Development

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