Our Nation

Grand Council Treaty #3’s overall goal is the protection, preservation and enhancement of Treaty and Aboriginal rights.

The Grand Council Treaty #3 existed in the territory of the Anishinaabe Nation, key to Canadian Confederation in that the British wanted to plan a route between Fort Garry and Fort William (now Winnipeg, MB and Thunder Bay, ON respectively).

Grand Council Treaty #3 was planned to be the first post-Confederation treaty, but the Anishinaabe held firm that they would not cede lands, nor allow farming or settlement, in their territory. On October 3, 1873, the 55,000 square miles of territory agreed to be shared between the Anishinaabe and the British.

The Chiefs negotiated, among other things, that British “business” would be allowed within the entire territory, and that both the land and resources would be shared between Anishinaabe and the British as “brothers.”

Grand Council Treaty #3 is 55,000 sq. miles spanning from west of Thunder Bay to north of Sioux Lookout, along the international border, to the province of Manitoba.

It is made up of 28 First Nation communities, with a total population of approximately 25,000.

Our Communities

Francis Kavanaugh was re-elected as Grand Chief “Ogichidaa” of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3 by a Traditional Selection Process on October 1, 2019. This is the first time a Grand Chief was selected for a third term to serve the citizens of Grand Council Treaty #3. Ogichidaa Kavanaugh from Naotkamegwanning First Nation is currently serving his second consecutive term and his third term all together.

Ogichidaa Kavanaugh was honoured by the traditional selection process, and acknowledges the trust and responsibility placed on him by the leadership of Treaty #3. Ogichidaa Kavanaugh has been involved with Grand Council Treaty #3 for over 40 years, and previously served as Grand Chief of Grand Council Treaty #3 from 1997-1999 during which time he was instrumental in the Treaty #3 Governance Initiative.

Throughout his career, Francis has held a variety of positions within the Nation including, Executive Director at Grand Council Treaty #3, Ojibway Tribal Family Services and a few terms on Council in his home community of Naotkamegwanning.

Ogichidaa Kavanaugh commits to working with the administration and the leadership of Grand Council Treaty #3 to address current challenges of mental health and addiction, housing, policing, child welfare and educational inequities facing member First Nation communities, while honouring our sacred responsibilities to the land and the water.

Councils are a very important part of the governance structure of Grand Council Treaty #3. They bring the history of the past and the knowledge of the future. They are also the connection to ensure balance and equality for Gitiziminan (Elders), Oshkiniigig (Youth), Mizi’iwe Aana Kwat (2SLGBTQQIA+), Gaagiidoo-Ikwewag (Women) and Mamawichi-Gabowitaa-Ininiwag (Men) in the Treaty #3 Anishinaabe Nation.

Each Council consists of Treaty #3 Anishinaabe members elected through a traditional selection process which represent each of the four (4) directions for their expertise, skills and traditional knowledge. Their primary role is to bring the history, unique needs and most importantly, the voice of Elders, Women, Men and Youth from the people, to the people.

Youth Executive Council

YEC Primary Representatives

Winter Lipscombe, Wauzhushk Onigum
Ernie Cobiness Jr., Buffalo Point
Seth Vlotaros, Rainy River First Nations
Kayla Morrison, Onigaming

Junior Proxies

Sage Smith, Naicatchewenin
Alex Calvert, Migisi Sahgaigan
Lindsay Bain, Wabigoon Lake
Caidence Skead, Wauzhushk Onigum
Liam George, Naongashiing

Oshkiniigiig (Youth Executive Council) represent the past, present and future of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3. The voice and meaningful involvement of youth complete the circle of traditional governance.

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2SLGBTQQIA+ Council

Shayla Hourie, Naongashiing
Kieran Davis, Lac Seul
Melody McKiver, Lac Seul
Dahlia Jourdain, Couchiching

The Mizi’iwe Aana Kwat (2SLGBTQQIA+ Council) within the Anishinaabe Nation of Treaty #3 represents the needs of and aspirations of the Anishinaabe 2SLGBTQQIA+ Community in the territory.

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Elder’s Council

Elders within the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3 are the foundation of the communities and collectively are necessary to guide and direct leadership for a strong, accountable and transparent government.

Women’s Council

Priscilla Simard, Couchiching
Anita Collins, Seine River
Brittany Cobiness, Buffalo Point
Mona Gordon, Lac Seul

The Gaagiidoo-Ikwewag (Women’s Council) within the Anishinaabe Nation of Treaty #3 represents the unique needs and aspirations of Anishinaabe women in the territory.

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Men’s Council

Andrew Johnson, Seine River
Daryl Redsky, Shoal Lake #40
Nathaniel Councillor, Naicatchewenin
Bill Petiquan, Wabauskang

The Mamawichi-Gabowitaa-Ininiwag (Men’s Council) within the Anishinaabe Nation of Treaty #3 represents the needs of and aspirations of the Anishinaabe men in the territory.