B'Maakonigan

B'Maakonigan
Type	Government agency

B'Maakonigan is the governing body for First Nations that ratified the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement Act.

In Anishinabek News

• May 2022: The name loosely translates to "That which guides/supports/encourages." The entity was named in April 2022 by a group of Anishinaabemowin speakers and Chiefs. It serves as a standalone body where collective governance mechanisms, such as appeals and redress systems, can be developed.
• June 2022: This body is comprised of the First Nations that signed the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement. The name was chosen with guidance from Anishinabek Nation Elders and translates to that which guides, supports, or encourages. It serves as the Anishinabek Nation Government to support communities in areas such as citizenship and language restoration.
• October 2022: The name for this central government body was determined by the signatory First Nations in April 2022. The body is also known as the Anishinabek Nation Government.
• February 2023: This organization serves as a coordinating body to support First Nations in self-governance and information management. As of February 2023, the body represents five signatory communities with three additional First Nations considering joining. Leslie McGregor was hired as the Chief Executive Officer to develop the organization's framework, policies, and staffing structure.
• April 2023: The body co-hosted a gathering in Little Current focused on traditional governance and clan teachings. It serves First Nations that have signed or will sign the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement.
• April 2023: B’Maakonigan was represented at the Anishinaabe Dodemaag Teachings event held in March 2023.
• July 2023: B’Maakonigan is a governance process focused on future planning and community-led law-making. The initiative empowers citizens to set priorities, budgets, and plans for their communities rather than relying solely on Chief and Council.
• December 2023: This body is expected to work with the Anishinaabemowin Department to update figures on language speakers as part of a strategic plan.
• January 2024: At least three more communities are expected to join B’Maakonigan following changes to the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement ratification rules. The body is intended to help member nations move away from the Indian Act toward self-governance.
• April 2024: B’Maakonigan assists signatory First Nations in implementing the policies of the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement.
• September 2024: This organization guides and supports First Nations that have adopted the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement. As of September 2024, it faces challenges regarding manpower and the ability to conduct engagement sessions with unsigned communities. The body aims to grow at a measured pace to avoid the pitfalls of rapid organizational expansion.
• February 2025: Representatives from these First Nations attended the E'Dbendaagzijig Gathering in early 2025.
• February 2025: The subject was featured in a presentation by Rhonda Williams-Lovett on the first day of the summit.
• March 2025: The board held a meeting and strategic planning session in late January 2025.
• August 2026: Representatives shared updates on their work regarding citizenship registries and information management tools. The body is involved in practical efforts to implement inherent rights following the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement Act.