Apitipi Anicinapek Nation ekana8apatak nikan 8eti aianike pimatisitcik
Apitipi Anicinapek Nation ekana8apatak nikan 8eti aianike pimatisitcik (Apitipi Anicinape Vision for the next Seven Generations)
We are a prosperous, self-sufficient nation, the stewards of this land, enjoying a high quality of life, combining modern practices in harmony with our traditional way of life. We are passionate about our collaboration and working together for the good of all. We have a community service infrastructure that enables our people to live healthy, productive lives. From our youngest years, our children receive an education that enables them to become valued members of society. We are entrepreneurial, with a viable, diversified base of business that funds our social and economic development requirements. Our traditional ways and beliefs are reflected in everything we do.
The Apitipi Anicinapek Nation achieves sovereignty holistically and provides security and protection in self-sustaining ways. We do this to support our sovereignty and the collective Algonquin Anicinapek Nation sovereignty for the next seven generations.
The Apitipi Anicinapek Nation which belongs to the Algonquin Anicinapek Nation has the inherent right to govern ourselves; to pursue our own traditional, political, cultural, social, justice and economic development initiatives that evolve through time. As responsible stewards and guards, we govern our own community lands and traditional territory.
The Apitipi Anicinapek Nation governs our Nation according to our own customs, values and principles, laws and Anicinape legal orders within the Spirit and Intent of Minopimatisi8in (the good life-the core of our governing system).
The Apitipi Anicinapek Nation promotes sustainable and responsible business development and the personal wealth, success, and fulfillment of our membership by balancing business with protection of our traditional territory.
The Apitipi Anicinapek Nation was created and governed by our own traditional knowledge and Anicinape legal orders, political organization, history, social, language, economy, health and culture as proud Apitipi Anicinapek Nation people.
In summary, the Apitipi Anicinapek Nation, having the authority of governance, governs our lands and territory by our design and Algonquin Anicinape worldview. As entrusted leaders and people with the authority to shape our future, to maintain our sovereignty and prosperity moving forward, the Apitipi Anicinapek Nation government does so with the memory of our Ancestors in mind.
We are guided by the Spirit and Intent of the Anicinape Mino Pimatisi8in as well as our values and principles of our Anicinape legal orders and understand the responsibility we have to secure and protect our Nation, our membership, the lands, the waters, the air, our sacred laws, traditional and cultural ways, our social well-being, overall health, Indigenous education, historical knowledge, and the success of our economy for the next seven generations.
We are the caretakers of this sacred duty and include all other Nations that live among us to join in our efforts to create a community that is all inclusive of human beings, and human rights, to respect and eliminate social injustice issues stemming from colonialism such as race, gender, religion, and language.
Governance
The intent and role of Governance is to provide the means, structures, and frameworks of how a AAN’s government works, how members elect, interact with and are represented by that government, and to provide a cohesive and effective environment in which all aspects of the Band’s administration are able to function well. Good governance ensures transparency, justice, equality and accountability. It provides stability for departments, staff, leadership, and administration to produce efficient and substantive work, and helps them understand their roles within the larger organizational structure. Governance facilitates the relationship between leadership and membership, and creates an ecosystem where both leadership and membership are accountable to one another in the path towards self- determination, and the fair and equitable rule of law.
Good governance enables membership and leadership to collaborate in creating tailored policy and laws which are uniquely suited to AAN’s needs, and allows for the community to participate in the creation of their own governance system. This will improve day to day life for community members through the consistent application of a fair, just, and understood rule of law, and will propel AAN towards its vision of self-sufficiency and independence.
Treaty # 9
The James Bay Treaty – (Treaty No. 9) is an agreement between Ojibway (Anishinaabe), Cree (including the Omushkegowuk) and other Indigenous Nations (Algonquin) and the Crown (represented by two commissioners appointed by Canada and one commissioner appointed by Ontario). The treaty, first entered into in 1905-1906, covers the James Bay and Hudson Bay watersheds in Ontario, about two thirds of the province’s total landmass. The treaty embodies the nation-to-nation relationship between First Nations and the Crown.
A treaty is a formal agreement between two or more nations about sharing the land and resources, and living together in peace and in friendship. Treaties between Indigenous peoples and the Crown are solemn agreements that set out promises, obligations, and benefits for both parties. Treaty and Indigenous rights that flow from such agreements are constitutionally recognized in Canada.
The Archives of Ontario holds one of two original copies of the James Bay Treaty document from 1905-1906, and the signed document for adhesions made to the treaty in 1929-1930. Along with the written agreement, treaty commissioners made oral promises to the Anishinaabe and Omushkegowuk.
Government of Ontario. (2022). “The James Bay Treaty (Treaty No. 9)” Retrieved from: http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/en/explore/online/jamesbaytreaty/index.aspx