By Robert Porter
Sagamok Anishnawbek News
HURON – Chiefs of three neighbouring First Nations on the north shore of Lake Huron signed a Relationship Accord on November 17.
Chief Elaine Johnston of Serpent River First Nation, Chief Reg Niganobe of Mississauga First Nation and Chief Paul Eshkakogan of Sagamok Anishnawbek signed the agreement in a ceremony beginning at 5 p.m. at the Serpent River First Nation band administration building’s conference room. Council leadership from each of the communities, Elders and community members also observed and celebrated the agreement with a feast.
The Accord acknowledges the relationships between the communities and commits them to working together for the betterment of their peoples throughout their traditional territories.
It seeks to “modernize, elaborate and strengthen” the relations between the three communities in a way that is “based upon respect, responsibility and renewal”. It is a vehicle to build on the relationships between the three First Nations.
The signing of the Accord is a ceremonial affirmation of the intentions of the three, and it also sets in motion work to confirm kinships, identify territories and address shared territory boundaries and governance requirements, as well as to codify traditional laws and practices.
The Accord will allow the three to act in a unified manner in responding the shared areas of concern and allowing them to begin informing external governments and development proponents of their shared interests and intentions.
Signatories commit to an ongoing process of dialogue and relationship building, addressing a range of issues and initiatives of common interest or shared concern, including:
- developing an approach and response to potential resource development projects that may have an impact on the communities due to shared territory or waters
- facilitating relationship building amongst the Elders of the three communities, giving them the opportunity to collaborate, as well as annual gatherings between the communities to celebrate their relationships
- addressing land and resource matters
- establishing common positions on Treaty matters
The three communities commit to sharing of information, seasonal meetings for the Leadership, as well as regular meetings for staff level representatives.
Following a prayer, pipe ceremony and a shared feast, the three Chiefs shared their thoughts on the new Relationship Accord.
