Grand Council Assembly

Grand Council Assembly is a meeting of Anishinabek Nation leadership.

In Anishinabek News

• May 2014: A Grand Council Assembly was scheduled for June 3 to 5, 2014, in Long Lake #58 First Nation. The Grand Council Assembly was set to discuss the Anishinabek Education Agreement and fiscal transfer arrangements.
• June 2016: During the June 2016 meeting in Aundeck Omni Kaning, Chiefs expressed concern that federal officials were not being proactive regarding water issues.
• September 2017: The assembly is scheduled for November 14-15, 2017, at Chippewas of Rama First Nation. A presentation regarding the Anishinabek Nation Child Well-Being Law will be featured during the event.
• May 2018: The June 2018 gathering in Fort William First Nation included the election of the Grand Council Chief and four regional deputies. Nominations for leadership positions were scheduled for the first day of the event on June 5, 2018. Candidates were given ten minutes each to address the assembled Chiefs on June 6, 2018.
• June 2019: The June 2019 assembly served as the venue for the official launch of Koganaawsawin. The event included a Sunrise Ceremony and ceremonial songs to celebrate progress on child welfare initiatives.
• June 2019: A June 2019 assembly held at Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation passed a resolution to pursue health transformation negotiations. The assembly granted the Anishinabek Nation health department the mandate to assert jurisdiction over health matters.
• June 2019: The assembly was held in June 2019 at Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. During the event, details regarding the fiscal offer for the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement were shared with attending leaders.
• November 2020: The assembly was held via Zoom on November 3 and 4, 2020, to seek a resolution for adopting a new strategic plan. Leadership participated in a virtual town hall on October 16, 2020, to prepare for this gathering.
• June 2021: The 2021 assembly was held virtually and included a traditional stand-up election to choose the Anishinabek Nation leadership.
• June 2021: The 2021 meeting was hosted by Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation via Zoom from June 1 to June 3. During this gathering, the assembly called for legal accountability regarding atrocities committed at Indian Residential Schools.
• June 2021: The Anishinabek Educational Institute provided an update on its accreditation progress during the assembly held in June 2019.
• November 2021: The June 2021 Grand Council Assembly featured a traditional stand-up election for leadership positions. During the second day of the virtual event, Gordon Waindubence provided teachings on the interrelation of language and traditions.
• June 2022: The assembly took place in a hybrid format from May 31 to June 2, 2022, in Thunder Bay. During the event, leadership unanimously passed a resolution to recognize Anishinaabe Giizhigad as a significant annual celebration.
• July 2023: The assembly endorsed a resolution to explore the feasibility of creating an Anishinabek Health Authority. Leadership at the assembly received updates on the health transformation project from Gerrilynn Manitowabi. The assembly directed the Anishinabek Nation to advocate for equitable access to healthcare consistent with United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• June 2025: The 2025 assembly is scheduled to take place in London. A drum social is planned for the evening of June 3, 2025, as part of the gathering. Leadership will celebrate Anishinaabe Giizhigad during the event.
• July 2025: Updates regarding this assembly were provided during a health transformation working group session in July 2025.
• June 2026: The 2026 meeting took place in Thunder Bay from June 2 to 4 and was hosted by Red Rock Indian Band. The assembly focused on unifying the positions of leadership ahead of a planned meeting between First Nations and first ministers in the fall of 2026. During the event, approximately 30 resolutions were passed and a new Nation Council was introduced.