Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement Act receives Royal Assent

Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe extends congratulations to  the five (5) First Nations that have ratified the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement. Bill S-10, Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement Act has now received Royal Assent. 

“On behalf of the Anishinabek Nation, I would like to extend our congratulations to the five First Nations on  Bill S-10, Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement Act, receiving Royal Assent today. This marks yet another  important milestone towards enactment. With Bill S-10 becoming law, communities are one step closer to  realizing the true potential of the Agreement,” states Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe.  

On June 9, 2022, Bill S-10 was before the Senate for its first reading and by June 16, had completed its third  reading. The Bill was before the House of Commons on June 17 for its first reading and received unanimous  consent for approval on June 22. 

The Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement outlines four areas of jurisdiction: Leadership Selection,  Citizenship, Language and Culture, and Operation and Management of Government. These jurisdictional  pillars will make sections of the Indian Act concerning governance and membership non-applicable. This is  significant progress that will enable First Nations to invest and promote the revitalization of fundamental  governance principles in their communities that prioritizes identity, culture, and language. 

Now that Royal Assent has been received and the law has officially come into force, the leadership of the  signatory First Nations eagerly anticipate enactment and the essential resource allocation they critically need.  We further urge the government to ensure expedient enactment to guarantee these communities have their  funding agreements by October 2022.