WHAT IS B’MAAKONIGAN?

B’Maakonigan is the governing body of seven (7) signatory First Nations who ratified the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement.

The signatory First Nations will comprise the new Anishinabek Nation First Nation Government to carry out their responsibilities to create and run their new governance system.

The Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement received Royal Assent in the House of Commons on June 23, 2023. Bill S-10: The Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement Act has been in effect since October 1, 2022.

The Anishinabek Nation and the Federal Government of Canada co-created an Implementation Plan to bring the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement Act into action to support the transition from the Indian Act governance rules to the new Anishinabek Governance System.

The “Central Body” referred to in the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement Act was simply called the “Anishinabek Nation Government”. It was the consensus of the signatory First Nations that a cultural shift was required to provide an Anishinaabe name for the central body.

In April 2022, the signatory First Nations determined the new governing body name, B’Maakonigan. Translated it means “that which guides, supports, and encourages”.

The naming was determined by the Anishinaabemowin speakers from the communities of the signatory First Nations and guided by Anishinabek Nation Anishinaabemowin Commissioner, Barbara Nolan, and carried into ceremony by Anishinabek Nation Head Getzit, Richard Assinewai.