BUILDING OUR NATION Development of an Important Dialogue on Treaty As the Lake Huron Regional Grand Chief of the Anishishinabek Nation, I have witnessed the Chiefs pull together over the last two days to confirm a political alliance that gives me confidence that we are in fact moving ahead. Our political agenda has some very clear opportunities to return to the Spirit and Intent of the Anishinabek alliance. We spoke about education, health, environment, governance, lands and resources and economy; and overall - we did this through the lens of treaty. We spent our second day talking about Treaty. This is a very important deliberation because of the times that we are in right across the country. We spent yesterday very specific on the annual annuities discussion and it was motioned yesterday with consensus to proceed with the next step - putting our money where our mouth is on the resourcing of the claim. Congratulations and miigwetch to the Chiefs! A final motion was made giving me direction as the Chair of the Lake Huron Regional Chiefs, to proceed with the development on a strategy and communication to advance a National Dialogue on Treaty - Canadas history: Treaty Making and Treaty Breaking. The goal of this work will be move forward on a much needed discussion and build proper dialogue in our communities, at tables with other governments, industry, the Canadian public, academia. Through various forms of media, we will begin that discussion in a way takes it out of the exclusively failing political debate and struggle and set the stage for grassroots, community, and a treaty-partner context that will be unfettered and clear. The central context: Canadas History: Treaty Making; Treaty Breaking. The national dialogue will open this discussion in a way that has Canadians reflecting on the nature of its own identity through the historical lens and truthful account of these sacred agreements called treaty. The real work will begin once the truth becomes more fluid in this dialogue. As a Pre-Confederate Treaty, the RHT-1850 is a strong historical marker with the Crown that must be called to provide accounting and we must demand that the Crown substantiate subsequent actions and infringements against the Anishinabe as treaty partners. The Chiefs have unanimously provided me with the mandate to proceed with the development of this most important work - this week, we will begin and I will be doing this work from the responsibility as SRFN Chief, Lake Huron Regional Grand Chief - and above all and any position, as a citizen of the treaty and of the Anishinabek Nation. I will be keeping people up to date. A team will be established to assist in this initial development. Your prayers and putting down sema will be much appreciated. NOTE: if you require an update or presentation in your community or organization, we will be seeking input as we develop this strategy. YOUR INPUT is VITAL! Stay tuned - We look forward to this work finally moving forward. Miigwetch Chief Isadore Day, Wiindawtegowinini
Posted on: Fri, 18 Apr 2014 12:17:18 +0000