Treaty One Territory – On August 13th, 2019, the Anishinaabe people will come together for four days at Keeseekowewin First Nation, Treaty Two Territory to discuss issues of National and International importance. The Anishinaabe Nation Gathering is a historic first, as it will include all Anishinaabe in Canada and United States, involving Elders, youth, men, women and leadership.
The inaugural Anishinaabe Nation Gathering is a joint collaboration between Grand Council Treaty #3 and Southern Chiefs Organization. The intent of the gathering is to re-establish the Anishinaabe Nation prior to contact and breakdown the divisive International and Interprovincial borders.
Treaty #3 Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh states that ceremony sanctioned this initiative, “We have undergone ceremony and sought spiritual guidance to support the planning process. These ceremonies are vital to us and will continue to advise us,” he said. “All Anishinaabe leaders and peoples throughout Turtle Island are invited to attend.”
Southern Chiefs Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels says he expects to garner new relationships with other Anishinaabe Nations. “We collectively aspire to strengthen our relationships with one another as Anishinaabe people. When we gather on issues of great importance, successful partnerships will occur.” Language, culture, taxation, trade, jurisdiction and autonym are some of the areas slated to be on the agenda at the gathering.
