Manito Aki Inakonigaawin Documentary in the works for Treaty #3

In partnership with Niiwin Wendaanimok, Grand Council Treaty #3 has begun working towards the creation of a Manito Aki Inakonigaawin documentary. On June 26th, 2021 at Couchiching First Nation, a ceremony was held to begin the documentary. The project involves recording interviews with Elders and knowledge keepers about Manito Aki Inakonigaawin. The documentary will discuss the history of the Manito Aki Inakonigaawin and how the sacred law has been applied to resource development projects in the Treaty #3 territory.

Generations of language and knowledge has been impacted greatly due to the impacts of the residential schooling system in Canada, making interviewing and recording Treaty #3 Elders and knowledge keepers imperative for documenting and respecting this sacred law for the present and future generations. Conducting and recording interviews will help to revitalize the language, reintroduce it to Treaty #3 communities, document it for future generations to learn from, and aid in the intergenerational transmission of knowledge. The importance of documenting Anishinaabemowin cannot be understated. This project is vital to ensuring the language is preserved and accessible to those who wish to learn and may not have other opportunities. The recordings will put the sacred words and stories onto film, where they will be protected and available for education forever.

“Our traditions represent the spiritual connection between us, the Creator and all of creation. We are the most dependent on the rest of creation to survive, that’s why it’s so important to respect and honor that relationship.”  

Francis Kavanaugh, Treaty #3 Ogichidaa (Grand Chief), 2021.

Through the project, GCT#3’s hope is to promote awareness, respect and implementation of Anishinaabe law.  Through this goal, it ensures that all resource related developments in Treaty #3 follow Manito Aki Inakonigaawin and that Anishinaabe lands and resources are respected with the least amount of uncertainty and degradation.

Following the completion of the documentary, the content will help to create various educational materials, including, short video clips for classrooms and curriculum development. The project will be guided by four key principles outlined in Manito Aki Inakonigaawin: Weweni (Take our time), Bebekaa (Doing it right), Biiziindun (Listen), and Kegogtachken (Don’t be afraid).

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For more information please contact: Daniel Morriseau, Political Advisor – (807) 464-2647 or by email daniel.morriseau@treaty3.ca

PDF – June 3, 2022 – Manito Aki Inakonigaawin Documentary in the works for Treaty #3