On August 15, 2019 in Treaty 2 Territory, leadership from the Anishinaabe Nation of Treaty #3 and technical support staff met with International Joint Commission (IJC) Commissioners and staff at Prairie Firehouse in Brandon, MB.
The meeting was attended by Canadian Commissioners Beland, Lickers and Phare as well from the US Commissioners Corwin, Sisson and Yohe. Treaty #3 leadership included Grand Chief Francis Kavanuagh (GCT3), Chief Brian Perrault (Couchiching), Chief Tom Johnson (Seine River) and proxy for Grand Chief Jerry Daniels (SCO) Tina Keeper.
The meeting was a result of continued work by both Grand Council Treaty #3 and the IJC in order to ratify a formal relationship together recognizing the jurisdiction of the Anishinaabe Government as well the role of the IJC in the protection of boundary waters and how the two can work together in order to protect Nibi.
Topics of discussion included a discussion of priorities, working together, next steps as well, discussions around legal personhood of water and watershed management planning. GCT3 and the IJC will continue to work together in order to formalize a relationship in respect and support of both organizations to protect Nibi for our future generations.
Contact
Lucas King, Water Resources Specialist
[email protected]
Nibi Declaration
The Treaty #3 Nibi Declaration is currently available to download on the GCT3 webpage. The Nibi Declaration is building the foundation for decision making and sharing our respect and love for Nibi in the Treaty #3 Territory. Initiatives such as a water portal, signs, curriculum and database are in the works to continue to support the Declaration.