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Anishinabek Nation Press release ... APRIL 24, 2007
 
Federal study validates proposed new Anishinabek Nation law
 
NIPISSING FIRST NATION, MEDIA RELEASE--(CCNMatthews - April 24, 2007) - The principles of the first modern Anishinabek Nation law are validated by key recommendations of a newly released federal report on Matrimonial Real property.

"It took an exhaustive and expensive federal study to prove what we have known all along," said Grand Council Chief John Beaucage. "Our people know best how to govern ourselves."

A national consultation process, launched last year by Indian Affairs Minister James Prentice, released its 500-page report today, including recommendations that First Nations develop their own laws and enforcement processes dealing with Matrimonial Real Property issues.

"This is exactly in line with the Anishinabek Nation position," Beaucage said. "We have proposed a template to help our communities to create their own local regulations designed by and for their citizens."

The Grand Council Chief said his office was still analyzing other aspects of the federal report, tabled today by ministerial representative Wendy Grant-John, that deal with proposed establishment of interim federal rules that would allow the courts to make orders regarding possession of homes on reserve.

The draft Anishinabek Nation law - designed to govern and protect the interests of spouses and families in the event of a marriage dissolution - was endorsed March 23 by representatives of the 42 Anishinabek member First Nations at a special assembly in Sault Ste. Marie. The draft law was developed after an intense schedule of nine consultation meetings held across Anishinabek Nation territory over a 40-day period this spring. Final ratification of the law is expected to take place at the Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Assembly at Alderville First Nation in June. Under the terms of the proposed law, member First Nations will have one year to pass community regulations, based on the framework provided in the nation's law.

The Anishinabek Nation incorporated the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 42 member First Nations across Ontario. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.
 
CONTACT INFORMATION 

Bob Goulais, Executive Assistant to the Grand Council Chief, Union of Ontario Indians
Primary Phone: 705-497-9127 ext. 2249
Secondary Phone: 705-498-5250
E-mail: goubob@anishinabek.ca

Regional Planner job posting

NISHNAWBE ASKI DEVELOPMENT FUND (NADF)

NADF is a non-profit, independent, Aboriginal-owned and operated financial institution that provides business and financial services to Aboriginal people living in northern Ontario.

The Regional Planner, as a team player working in a multi-disciplinary environment, will provide support and referral services to promote and assist with development and implementation of regional and/or community strategic plans within First Nations communities serviced through the Community Futures Development Program (CFDC) and, where appropriate, provide assistance/support for resource development activities for First Nations serviced by NADF under the direction of the President/CEO.

Qualifications:

• College diploma or University degree in a field related to Community Planning/ Economic Development or equivalent experience (5 years).
• Experience working within Aboriginal communities or with Aboriginal clients.
• Strong public relations skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including demonstrated ability to write reports and proposals.
• Computer literacy including e-mail, word-processing, accounting, database and spreadsheet software.
• Knowledge of, and commitment to, the services provided by NADF.
• Willing to travel extensively to northern communities in Ontario.
• Ability to speak Ojibway, Oji-Cree, and Cree is an asset.
• Knowledge of the people, culture and history of Nishnawbe Aski Nation and in-depth knowledge of the business development priorities of its First Nations.

LOCATION:  Thunder Bay, ON
TERM:  Contract to March 31, 2008 with possibility of extension 

APPLICATIONS:  Please send a resume, including three (3) references, by Wednesday, May 16, 2007 to:

Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
106 Centennial Square, 2nd Floor
Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1H3
Attn: President/CEO

Fax (807) 622-8271 or e-mail:  gbuoncore@nadf.org 

No phone calls please.
Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.