Kenora, ON – INDIGENOUS – Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh, Grand Chief of Grand Council Treaty #3 announced today the start of the National Spring Assembly of the Grand Council Treaty #3 Chiefs.
The three-day assembly titled ‘Pimiinitizowan’ will bring together 28 First Nations Chiefs, leaders, Elders, youth and citizens to Couchiching First Nation, the host of this year’s Assembly.
“We welcome everyone to our First Nation for the next three to four days and hope everyone has the opportunity to visit with our citizens and enjoy the warmth and hospitality of our community,” said Couchiching First Nation Chief Brian Perrault.
The Assembly started with cultural protocols, ie the lighting of the fire on Monday and will begin with Elders Florence Yerxa and Willy Yerxa and a welcoming address from Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh.
“The theme for this years’ Spring Assembly is governance. Pimiinitizowan: our own way, our own authority, our own goals. Let us remember this practice as we go forward to continue carrying out our work in a good way. It is an honour for me and our staff to be here in Couchiching for our annual Spring Assembly,” said Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh.
Day one will include remarks from the Executive Council and updates the Cultural Chiefs Committee on Justice, TARR and IRS and Day Schools; the Social Chiefs Committee on social, education and health transformation; the Economic Chiefs committee on T3IG and the Firefighters Training Centre; and the Environmental Chiefs on trapping, TPU and IJC. The Women, Youth and Men’s Council will also provide updates.
Day two will include a presentation on the Anishinaabe laws and discussion on the Water Declaration and the traditional selections for Ogichidaa(kwe). Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh will also provide his annual report and the Special Chiefs Committee will present on Resource Revenue Sharing. There will also be a special presentation on remembering loved ones who have passed.
Special guests include Southern Chiefs Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels who will make an appearance on day three to discuss the Anishinaabe Gathering scheduled for August 13-16 in Manitoba.
