B’Maakonigan’s role is being the administrative body responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement Act. B’Maakonigan guides, supports and encourages the signatory First Nations as they transition from Indian Act governance to First Nation Governance under the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement Act.  

B’Maakonigan’s primary role is  coordinating and facilitating the implementation process ensuring the provisions of the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement Act are carried out effectively.  This involves working closely with the signatory First Nations as well as engaging with various stakeholders and government. 

The Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement Act recognizes the signatory First Nations control over governance and their law-making powers in four areas – Language and Culture, Citizenship, Leadership Selection, and Operations and Management.

The Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement Act is designed to give First Nations more control over their governance affairs and recognizes their inherent right to self-government. The Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement Act establishes mechanisms for the transfer of certain powers, duties and functions from the Federal Government to the B’Maakonigan signatory First Nations that have ratified the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement Act.

B’Maakonigan Management and Operations Law

In September 2022, B’Maakonigan collaboratively developed and approved their Management and Operations Laws with the signatory First Nations to manage the undertaking of the new governing body. B’Maakonigan established an E-Kowabijig (Board) that is comprised of the B’Maakonigan leadership as follows:

• Eniigaanziikidaaged (CEO), Leslie McGregor, Whitefish River First Nation
• (Finance & Operations Director) Dave Shawanda
• (Policy Analyst) Janet Esquimaux
• (Executive Assistant) Tonya Armstrong
• (Administrative & HR Finance Clerk) Gail Jacko
• Eshpabid (Chairperson), Chief Lloyd Myke, Magnetawan First Nation
• E-ko-niizhing-Eshpabid (Vice-Chairperson) Chief Larry Roque, Wahnapitae First Nation 
• Ezhibiiged-Zhooneya-gewendang (Secretary/Treasurer), Gimaa Kwe Rhonda Williams-Lovett, Moose Deer Point First Nation

The business affairs of B’Maakonigan are managed by the E-Kowabijib (Board).  B’Maakonigan is the governing body to the following signatory First Nations:

• Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation
• Magnetawan First Nation
• Moose Deer Point First Nation
• Nipissing First Nation
• Sheshegwaning First Nation
• Wahnapitae First Nation
• Zhiibaahaasing First Nation