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Download a copy of the Declaration (Requires Acrobat Reader.)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Anishinabek seek the Spirit in governance

GARDEN RIVER FIRST NATION (AUG 27, 2007) – Participants in a historic meeting of the Three Fires Confederacy of Anishinabek peoples confirmed their collective desire for governance models based on traditional teachings and have pledged to make the rare gathering an annual event.

The agenda featured a variety of political discussions of issues -- treaties, water, fishing and harvesting -- that reinforced the traditional Anishinabek worldview that our leaders need to engage the Spirit in their everyday work in governing our communities.

"The Creator placed us here - this is our land," said Edward Benton-Banai, Grand Chief of the Three Fires Midewiwin Society, whose members erected a traditional lodge with a sacred fire to house workshops on Anishinaabe history, language, and culture-based education.

Delegates stood in unison to offer unanimous support to a declaration pledging to base future Anishinabek governance models on the clan system, and to create health and education systems grounded in traditional knowledge and teachings.

Noting that the last formal assembly of the historic alliance of Ojibway, Pottawatomi, and Odawa took place in 1992 - and that the one before that was held over a century ago -- Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief John Beaucage said the "Re-Kindling the Flame" gathering at Garden River First Nation was an example of a "snowball effect".

"We're getting stronger as people. We're going to go on a different road - not because political people like us say so - but because the people supporting us say it's the right thing to do."

Many of the 2,000 who participated in sessions on governance and cultural teachings over the gathering's four days were citizens of the 42 member Anishinabek communities represented by the Union of Ontario Indians, but there was also a large contingent from U.S.-based tribes.

"We will not let artificial borders keep us apart," said Garden River Chief Lyle Sayers in welcoming delegates to his community just east of Sault Ste. Marie.

National Chief Phil Fontaine brought greetings on behalf of over 600 communities represented by the Assembly of First Nations.

"I hope and pray that Canada is open enough to accept what we have to offer," said the National Chief, an Anishinaabe from Saugeen First Nation in Manitoba . "Our voice is getting stronger."

Anishinabek communities in Manitoba and Michigan are vying to host the 2008 Three Fires Gathering, which the declaration pledged would be held "each and every year in perpetuity."

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For more information:

Maurice Switzer, Director of Communications
Phone: (705) 497-9127 ext 2272
Email: swimau@anishinabek.ca

The Declaration from the Three Fires Confederacy Gathering

Nswi Ishkoday Kawn
Anishinaebeg O'dish Kidway Kawn

We, the Chiefs, Chairpersons, Councillors, Headmen, Headwomen and Citizens present – of the Three Fires Confederacy and allied Nations that emanate from the historical Algonkian Confederacy, united by blood, clan, land and Spirituality including:

The Odawa Nation,
Pottawotomi Nation, and
The Ojibway Nation.

and those allied Nations, including but not limited to:

The Menominee, Ho-chunk, Miami, Kickapoo, Algonquian, Sauk/Fox, Naskapi, Wabunakeg, Lene Lenapi and Cree.

In free and open assembly, before G’zhemanidoo, Creation and Humanity, this August 23, 2007, in the Ketegaunseebee Anishinaabe Territory at Baawaating – we, the people of of the Three Fires Confederacy and allied Nations do hereby declare:

We recognize and acknowledge that the Spirit has always been the centre and foundation of the ways of our Ancestors. Furthermore, through our participation at this Three Fires Confederacy Gathering, we have felt and been nurtured by the Spirit to move forward in our lives with hope and it is the same connection to the Spirit that is our hope for the future.

We recognize that we have revived a sense of our Anishinaabe historical and spiritual unity.

Our children are living vessels and it is our responsibility to protect, nurture and cultivate the knowledge of our ancestors for our children’s future.

That in education, our children must have a way of learning that is based on Our Story, and our original ways of knowing and teachings.

That each and every Anishinaabe person shall continue to advance the Spiritual, Political and Social well-being of our Nation.

That each and every Anishinaabe person shall work to overcome the immoral shackles of colonialism that plague our nation, including overcoming the colonial boundaries that segregate us.

That our ways in which we govern ourselves, our communities and our Confederacy and how we relate to one another is rooted in the Clan System.

We direct that a Clan System model be developed based upon the priorities identified by this Confederacy, namely: Anishinaabemowin Language, Governance, Lands and Resources, Judiciary, Cultural Based Education, Citizenship and the Economy. That any sovereign Anishinaabeg community may share responsibilities identified in the Clan System model.

Alliances and treaties will continue amongst ourselves and with other Nations and must be in keeping with the original spirit and intent of our ways of relating with one another as Nations.

That the means for our health and well-being must be based on our original ways of healing.

That our relationship with Mother Earth and her land and environment and most importantly the water – which is the source of all life, nourishing and sustaining all her children throughout the world – is the responsibility of Anishinaabeg, by virtue of our sacred covenant to look after the well-being of our beautiful and sacred Mother.

We look ahead to the re-kindling of the sacred Confederacy flame, walking in the footsteps of Pontiac, Tecumseh, Jichi Match-e-be-nashshe-wish and Shingwauk and all our Anishinaabeg ancestors.

It is our direction and commitment to gather as the Three Fires Confederacy and allied Nations each and every year in perpetuity.

In unity, we direct our leadership of all levels to work with us in ensuring the successful implementation of this declaration.

We hear the echo of our Grandfather, Dan Pine and affirm his words “Now that we have found The Confederacy; we can never lose it again."

Confederacy Agenda has been finalized

August 10, 2007

The Steering Committee of the Three Fires Confederacy Gathering gathered on August 10 to finalize the agenda for the Gathering. The final agenda has been posted to the Agenda page.

Download a copy of the Final Agenda. (Requires Acrobat Reader.)

Please note that not all panelists have been confirmed. There may be some changes to panel personnel based on their availability. Grand Council Chief John Beaucage, National Chief Phil Fontaine, Chief Lyle Sayers and Grand Chief Edward Benton-Banai are the confirmed hosts and will be active participants in the gathering. We all look forward to seeing you there.

Here are a few highlights:

Sweat Lodge Ceremonies – Due to overwhelming demand for traditional Anishinaabe sweat Lodge Ceremonies - mens, womens and youth sweat lodges will be held each evening on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. This all begins with Sweat Lodge teachings on Monday afternoon, August 20. Please note that only the sanctioned Anishinaabe Midewiwin sweats will be conducted on-site, but all are welcome to bring tobacco, towel and sweat lodge attire to take part.

Eagle Staff Gathering – Eagle Staffs from across the Anishinaabek territory and beyond will be a strong part of the Three Fires Confederacy Gathering. Beginning with the Grand Entry of the Eagle Staffs on Tuesday morning, August 21... a special Eagle Staffs feast on Wednesday afternoon, August 22... and an Ogitchidaa Dance on Thursday afternoon, August 23... the gathering tent and the Midewiwin Lodge will be filled with what is expected to be the largest Eagle Staffs gathering of its kind. Please register your Eagle Staff.

Final Plenary Discussion & Resolution – The leaders hosting the Three Fires Confederacy Gathering want to ensure that something comes of this historic gathering. As part of the agenda, there will be a final plenary session where an open discussion will occur. It is our hope that those in attendance will discuss the future of the Three Fires Confederacy and discuss the next Three Fires Confederacy Gathering. Perhaps a Declaration Resolution will be adopted during this session.

Raising of the Unity Poles – One exciting development in the agenda will occur just before noon on Thursday, August 23. This ceremony will see the raising of Unity Poles on the site of the Three Fires Confederacy Gathering. The poles will commemorate this historic gathering and symbolize the commitment of the Ojibway, Odawa and Pottowatomi and all allied Anishinaabeg Nations to the re-kindling of the Confederacy.

Jingle Dress Healing Dance – Due to an overwhelming demand for healing opportunities a Jingle Dress Healing Dance will be held on the evening of Thursday, August 23. Those interested in participating in the Jingle Dress Healing Dance to seek healing, please bring your tobacco offering.

Please Note: Due to funding challenges, the Three Fires Gathering will adjourn on Friday evening following ceremonies. There will be no activities on August 25-26.

Changes to the Gathering

July 12, 2007

Please note some changes to the Three Fires Gathering:

The Gathering will now take place at Ojibway Park, rather than Point Charles. This is still on the Ojibways of Garden River, just off Highway 17 East.

Change in Dates, August 20-24. Due to funding challenges, the Three Fires Gathering will adjourn on Friday evening following ceremonies. There will be no activities on August 25-26.

The specific agenda is being finalized. Please visit again for more details.

Eagle Staffs Gathering

June 19, 2007

A brand new page touting the Eagle Staffs Gathering component of the Confederacy has been added to this site. Check out... Eagle Staffs.

Anishinabek first to meet Canada face-to-face

Union of Ontario Indians News Release
May 18, 2007

PARRY SOUND — The Union of Ontario Indians became the first aboriginal organization in the province to establish a bilateral relationship with the Government of Canada, the organization announced Friday.

Grand Council Chief John Beaucage and Jim Prentice, minister of Indian and Northern Affairs met with an agenda that included discussions about a comprehensive approach to self-government negotiations and an Anishinabek Nation economic development strategy.

"This commitment to face-to-face discussions between the minister and the Anishinabek Nation represents the nation-to-nation relationship that we believe will lead to faster resolution of our land claims and socio-economic challenges," said Beaucage.

"We hear the frustration and anger from First Nation communities, but our current mandate is to engage Canada in open dialogue to jointly address these issues instead of trying to negotiate over barricades.

"We see Prentice's agreement to establishing this bilateral relationship with the Anishinabek Nation as an indication that he is willing to help us find ways to forge a better future for our citizens, and for all Canadians."

Beaucage and Prentice signed an agreement to conduct two annual Anishinabek/Canada bilateral meetings — a first for a provincial Native organization — to provide a forum for discussion of issues of mutual concern that impact Anishinabek First Nation communities and to expedite the resolution of problems.

All bilateral meetings will be based on the principles of mutual respect, building of trust and creation of practical working relationships, Beaucage said.

"We are confident that this bilateral relationship will give us the tools we require to implement our inherent and sovereign right to self-government," said Beaucage.

"Our young people are frustrated, our families continue to be poor. But through these discussions and working towards the overall goal of self-government and self-sufficiency, we have hope and opportunity."

Other items on Friday's agenda included renewing the mandate for education self-government negotiations, child welfare, the recently endorsed Anishinabek Nation Law Respecting Matrimonial Real Property, this August's historic Three Fires Confederacy Gathering at the Ojibways of Garden River, and plans to establish a Language Immersion Institute.

The Anishinabek Nation incorporated the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is the political advocate for 42 member First Nations in Ontario, and is the oldest political organization in Ontario, tracing its origins to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

5000 Expected to Attend Three Fires Confederacy Gathering

Pictured above are: Dr.Celia Ross AUC President, Grand Chief Eddie Benton-Banai, Chief Lyle Sayers of Garden River First Nation and National Chief Phil Fontaine.
Soo News Photo

Soo News
Friday, May 18, 2007, 4:27PM

At a conference at Algoma University today it was announced that there will be a Three Fires Confederacy gathering In Garden river from August 20 until August 26.The purpose of the gathering is to bring Native people from across Canada and the United States together to share and learn about their history, traditions and common goals.

Phil Fontaine National chief spoke about the concerns facing Anisishinabe people today.

"Far too many of our communities are under boil water advisories " he said "Clean water is a basic human right and this (a lack of clean water) is a violation of human rights."
Before the US-Canada border was established, Anishinabe people crossed freely.
"We were a single Nation under the Threee Fires Confederacy with our own clan systems, residing on either side of the border."

The Three Fires Confederacy is the united alliance of the Anishinabek people, named after the three nations of the Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi tribes within Canada and the United States. The Ojibway are the faith keepers. The Odawa are the protectors, and the Pottawatomi are the keepers of the fire.

When asked about the June 29 Day of Action for Native peoples, Fontaine said he is not advocating violence . "We don't want to alienate the public " he said. "But Canandians do not understand and know the true story".
He went onto say that people are very frustrated with the lack of action on many Native issues. "There are over 3,000 land claim cases and we would like to see a fair and just resolution to these claims."

He said he would like to sit down with the government and make a plan to resolve Native issues, issues like poor housing, contaminated water, and a right to quality health care." We would like to have a plan with solid targets and objecitves" he said.

He also stated concerns about Native youth dropping out of school and hopes for a plan to encourage young people to stay in school and get an education.

"People are anxious,and concerned " he added.

The Three Fires Confederacy was last held in 1992. This gathering will focus on building what was established and set in motion at that time.
Chief Lyle Sayers of Garden river first Nation said, "There is much to teach and much to learn, in order to understand the future we must learn about the past".

The confederacy gathering will be held at the Lodge in Garden River and will include a pow-wow and other Native ceremonies and celebrations.

Garden River to host Three fires

The Sault Star
Saturday, May 19, 2007 Updated @ 1:07:35 AM

Garden River First Nation expects to welcome several thousand people from Canada and the United States for a gathering of the Three Fires Confederacy in August.

The Aug. 20 to 26 meeting is the first such gathering of the Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi First Nations since Garden River last hosted the event in 1992. Organizers expect 5,000 participants.

“There’s much to learn from each other,” Grand Chief Phil Fontaine, of the Assembly of First Nations, told reporters Friday.

Fontaine attended the 1992 gathering. At the time, he was the Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.

“It was a learning experience for our people,” he said during a press conference outside the Shingwauk Education Trust on the Algoma University College campus.

Garden River Chief Lyle Sayers hopes the gathering will be held every seven years in the future. “We want to gather more frequently,” said Fontaine.

“We don’t want to wait another 15 years to have another gathering. There’s much to teach our young people about our cultures, languages, history, our systems of governance. All of those are important to our future.”

Management of the Great Lakes, border crossing issues, language and relationships with governments will be discussed during the six-day meeting. It is being organized by the AFN, Garden River, Three Fires Society, Shingwauk Education Trust, Union of Ontario Indians and Algoma University College. Event cost is not known yet, said Sayers.

The confederacy has met at Madeline Island, Niagara Falls, Manitoulin Island, but most often in the Sault.

Assembly of First Nations, Anishinabek Nations to Host Historic Three Fires Confederacy Gathering, August 20-26, 2007 at Garden River First Nation, Ontario

Assembly of First Nations News Release
May 18, 2007

SAULT STE. MARIE – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) in partnership with Garden River Ojibway Nation, Three Fires Society, Shingwauk Education Trust, the Union of Ontario Indians, and Algoma University College (Algoma U) today announced that an historic gathering of the Three Fires Confederacy will take place on the traditional lands in Garden River, just east of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on August 20-26, 2007. As many as five thousand Anishinabek citizens, from both sides of the US-Canada border, are expected to attend the gathering.

"It is time we gather as a Nation," said AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine, an Anishinabe from Sakgeeng, Manitoba. "The Three Fires is a part of our traditional form of government that will allow us to determine our own future and contribute to a better life for our people. We will set the agenda for ourselves as a nation."

The Anishinabek is the nation and people known also as the Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi who together form the Three Fires Confederacy. Historically, the tribes met regularly for social, spiritual, military and political purposes.

"The Three Fires Confederacy gathering will be a significant step towards re-asserting our nationhood as Anishinabek people," said Grand Council Chief John Beaucage, leader of 43 member First Nations of the Union of Ontario Indians. "We will come together to share and learn from one another and rekindle those fires of that long lost brotherhood we've had among our own people from across Turtle Island."

The last meeting of the Three Fires Confederacy gathering was held in Garden River in 1991.
"As a direct descendant of Chief Shingwauk, signatory to the 1850 Robinson-Huron Treaty and traditional leader of the Three Fires Confederacy, Iam truly honoured to be hosting this momentous gathering once again in our traditional territory of Ketegaunseebee," said Chief Lyle Sayers. "We extend a warm welcome to all to come and visit our community this summer."

According to Grand Chief Eddie Benton-Banai of the Three Fires Confederacy Mide Society (USA/Canada) the Three Fires gathering comes from the seven prophesies of the Anishinabe peoples, the original people of this part of the world.

"Someday we will look back and search for the teachings and way of life that prevailed for thousands of years, before discovery", said Benton-Banai. "The time and opportunity to hear, and learn from those teachings is now."

Today's announcement is an example of the shared commitment among all partners involved in the Three Fires Confederacy gathering.

"Our students," said Dr. Celia Ross, President of Algoma University College, "Are the reason why we are a part of this wonderful partnership. Recently, a group of 25 students attended the Midewiwin Lodge in Bad River, Wisconsin, and brought back a true sense of the spirit and intent of Chief Shingwauk's vision. We are honoured to be part of this historic gathering."

The first two days of the gathering will bring together leadership and citizens and will be devoted to sharing the history and the protocol of the Three Fires Confederacy. It will provide leadership an opportunity to discuss important issues such as relationships with governments, border crossing issues, water and Great Lakes management.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

Speech to the 13th Annual
Anishinaabemowin Teg Language Conference

Grand Council Chief John Beaucage
April 1, 2007

(excerpt)...... It is an exciting day for me to be here. I get the pleasure of sharing some news with you and leave you with a personal invitation.

Today, I'm here to announce that we will be hosting a Three Fires Confederacy Gathering, August 20-26 in the Baawating/Sault Ste. Marie area.

The gathering will be co-hosted by the Union of Ontario Indians, Assembly of First Nations, Shingwauk Kino-maage Gamig, Three Fires Society, Algoma University College and Sault College.

It will be the first time we have had this gathering since 1991.

It will also see the return of the Midewiwin Lodge, which is the original spiritual institution of the Anishinaabe people.

It is the Ojibway that were given the sacred responsibility to be the faithkeepers and keepers of the songs on behalf of the Three Fires. It was through the Midewiwin Society that this knowledge was kept and protected during the most difficult times in our history.

We are pleased to have offered tobacco to the Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge to hold their annual Summer Ceremonies in conjunction with the Three Fires Confederacy Gathering.

Throughout the course of the Gathering, our Chiefs, leaders and citizens will be involved in discussions within their original traditional context. The gathering will be held in our traditional Lodge around the sacred fire using our language and traditional protocols.

The Three Fires Confederacy will also host this year’s Gathering of Eagle Staffs, which is coordinated by Anishinaabemowin Teg’s own Doris Boissonneau. Eagle Staffs and veterans from across Turtle Island are invited and encouraged to attend the gathering...

(excerpt).... We are asking the Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge to see us through these needs, and give us the vision and spirit to lead this Three Fires revival movement.

I hope you will join me, National Chief Phil Fontaine and Three Fires Society Grand Chief Eddie Benton-Banai at this historic gathering in August.

More information will be available within the next few weeks.

All Citizens. All Leaders. All Anishinaabeg.