Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation is absolutely committed to ensuring the protection, preservation, and enhancement of inherent and Treaty rights. Through Manito Aki Inakonigaawin, the Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation alongside the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3 continually protects and maintains our rights to all lands and waters in the Treaty #3 territory as these natural resources are the basis for our way of life and livelihood.
In light of recent events in the waters of Black Sturgeon Lake, the Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation is seeking information from anyone who has knowledge of the Niisaachewan member net removal from the water without notice or permission on August 22nd on Black Sturgeon Lake. Black Sturgeon Lake is traditional lands and waters of Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation, as well as a significant lake within the Treaty #3 Territory.
We are requesting assistance from the public in identifying the people in the images and video below. Please email us here >> if you have any information.
If any person has information from these recent events Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation urges you to contact our office and speak to Chief or Council. This is not only a learning opportunity but an opportunity to create a safe space for all Treaty #3 members to assert their rights in the Treaty #3 Territory. Niisachewan will also be reaching out to Black Sturgeon Lake resident organizations to commence a dialogue on education and to ensure future instances of this nature do not occur. Secondly, Niisaachewan will commence communication with Ontario MNRF and Grand Council Treaty #3 Territorial Planning Unit in order to support the development of Treaty #3 Stewardship Officers in order to affirm and uphold our rights that the Anishinaabe Nation has held since time immemorial. It is important to us to strengthen relationships and education as we all work together to protect our fisheries for future generations.
Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation wants to remind others that fishing, and netting are both inherent right and treaty rights of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3. The duty of the Crown states First Nation territories must be involved and fairly accommodated within any decision-making processes regarding all resources in order to maintain access to rights such as netting. Our Niisaachewan people are fishing to provide for families of our community as we move into feast season. Fishing remains a vital traditional activity that promotes community connections, traditional way of life as well as strengthen mental, physical, and spiritual health. Sustainable, strong fishing rights and waters support environmental protection, healthy individuals and nations.
