Anishinaabe Nation Grand Council Treaty #3 Flag Raised Permanently at Fort Frances Civic Centre
FORT FRANCES, ON – Grand Council Treaty #3 recognizes October 16, 2026, as a significant day for the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3 Territory, as the Anishinaabe Nation Grand Council Treaty #3 flag was raised at the Town of Fort Frances Civic Centre, where it will now fly permanently.
Gaakinawataagizod Cheyenne Vandermeer, Chief Richard Bruyere, Chief Dean Councillor and Mayor Andrew Hallikas
The flag raising and drum ceremony brought together community members and leadership to recognize the ongoing relationship between the Anishinaabe Nation and the Town of Fort Frances, and the importance of honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaty relationship.
The ceremony opened with Elder Shirley Atwell, alongside the Grand Council Treaty #3 drums, Ogichidaa and Ogichidaakwe, and Weechi-it-te-win Family Services drum, Maango-Inini. Their presence and songs helped mark this important occasion.
Remarks were shared by Gaakinawataagizod Cheyenne Vandermeer, Chief Richard Bruyere, Chief Dean Councillor, Sean Councillor, and Mayor Andrew Hallikas. Town of Fort Frances Councillor Bill Morrison served as emcee.
Grand Council Treaty #3 extends its chi-miigwech to the Town of Fort Frances for welcoming the Anishinaabe Nation and to Weechi-it-te-win Family Services and Pwi Di Goo Zing Ne Yaa Zhing Advisory Services for their assistance and support in making this ceremony possible. Chi-miigwech to all the leadership, singers, helpers, and staff who contributed to this historic gathering.
The permanent raising of the flag serves as a visible recognition of the Anishinaabe Nation and a lasting reminder of our shared responsibility to honour the Treaty relationship. We are all Treaty people.
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Media Contact: Communications Team, Grand Council Treaty #3
CommunicationsTeam@treaty3.ca | 1-877-880-5638