Statement from Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh on upcoming Municipal Elections
I wish to address the harmful rhetoric, language and misinformation being circulated as part of the Kenora Municipal Elections. The Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3 stands with all those who oppose denialism of Anishinaabe history, experiences and realities. As Ogichidaa, I know that we, as Anishinaabe People both in Treaty #3 and beyond, understand who we are, our truth, and the strength and resiliency we have as a nation.
I say to the people of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3, we must continue to be proud of who we are and our ability to support each other and find solutions through our values, processes and ceremony. As a nation, we are drivers of the economy in our treaty territory and maintain relationships and partnerships with all our municipal neighbours. Grand Council as the Government of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3, will never presume to instruct our citizens on how to vote. However, I call on everyone to consider voting, to be informed with your vote, and understand the campaign platforms of all those running for office.
To those running for public office, my expectation as a fellow leader is to approach your work with an understanding of our shared history, both negative and positive. With overlapping jurisdictions, we have a responsibility to each other to work collaboratively and respectfully. Although there is much work yet to do, we must remember that we have made many great strides in our journey of reconciliation together and I commend the Treaty #3, municipal, provincial and federal leadership that have come together to make positive change across the treaty territory. Continuing to foster these positive relationships can provide the conditions for safer, healthier, and more prosperous communities for everyone involved.
It is my belief that respecting the human dignity of our people or the rights and jurisdiction of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3 is not up for debate in a political platform. Elections should be about discussing how we plan to work together for the benefit of the public and that is where we have endless opportunities. The future of our region depends on our ability to work together and Treaty #3 provides us with a foundation for this living relationship as we grow together for the benefit of our future generations.
So I recommend that everyone consider going to vote, getting informed, and above all else continue listening to each other and understand the power and impact we have in the words we use, the environments we create and the relationships we build. Leadership is not merely making statements or speeches but in a continual commitment to working respectfully together and developing the conditions for all of us to build a better life together as kin, as neighbours, and as treaty partners.
Miigwech.
Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh
Grand Council Treaty #3
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