• The Anishnaabe Government Agreement is the first final self-government agreement to be reached in Ontario under Canada's Inherent Right Policy. Simply put, the agreement sets out the arrangements for the four First Nations of the United Anishnaabeg Councils (UAC) to govern their internal affairs and assume greater responsibility and control over the decision making that affects their communities.
  
  
• The agreement is not a treaty and will not affect any existing Aboriginal or treaty rights. It is a means to implement theintergovernmental relationship negotiated by the First Nations and the Government of Canada. The agreement will move decision-making to the UAC First Nations and also provide the opportunity to enhance relations between First Nation governments and their neighbouring local governments.
  
  
• In addition, the agreement clarifies the legal status of the First Nations and recognizes First Nation law-making authority in 13 areas. This includes the selection of public officials, education, land, natural resources, e-naadziyang (culture), anishnaabemwin (language), economic development and the operation of business.
  
  
• This agreement was designed to address First Nation issues on First Nation lands. Accordingly, First Nation laws will apply on the First Nations' existing reserve land base. The only exceptions are First Nation government elections and the determination of e-dbendaagzijig (those who belong). The agreement requires that First Nations provide opportunities for persons who are not e-dbendaagzijig to provide input into proposed First Nation laws which directly and significantly affect them.
  
  
• While this agreement will not receive constitutional protection, it has been negotiated within the constitutional framework of Canada. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms will continue to apply on First Nation lands. The Canadian Human Rights Act will also apply on First Nation lands. The specific relationship between First Nation and federal or provincial laws in the event of a conflict is also spelled out in the agreement.
  
  
• Under the agreement, First Nation leaders will be directly and clearly accountable to First Nation members. Accountability provisions are set out in the agreement and in First Nation and UAC gchi-naaknigewin (constitutions), which were developed directly by First Nation members through extensive consultation over several years.
  
  
• The agreement also provides for annual reports to Parliament on implementation matters. Accountability to Canada will be in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.tion was shared with First Nation members through vehicles such as community meetings and with other interested parties via the UAC's Website, which was launched in 1999. Over the years, consultations were also undertaken with provincial officials and regular updates on the progress of the negotiations were provided to local officials.
  
  
• Following lengthy negotiations, the parties signed an Agreement-in-Principle on June 21, 1998. The draft agreement was initialled by the negotiators in March 2002 and the parties have recently concluded their discussions on implementation and fiscal transfer matters.
  
  
• Before the agreement can be implemented, the First Nations must hold a ratification vote. If the members of the four First Nations ratify the agreement, the Government of Canada must pass enabling legislation through Parliament before the agreement can come into force.
  
  
• Furthering good government and strong accountability will strengthen First Nation communities, promote a positive climate of investment and partnership, support economic partnerships and improve living conditions in the communities.

Quick Facts on Self-Government

• The Government of Canada recognizes the inherent right of self-government as an existing Aboriginal right within section 35 of the Canadian Constitution.
  
  
• The Anishnaabe Government Agreement is one example among a broad set of current initiatives across Canada which allow First Nations to replace the outdated and unsuitable governing arrangements of the Indian Act. There are currently over 80 self-government negotiation tables across the country. These negotiations involve more than half of Canada's First Nation and Inuit communities.
  
  
• Because Aboriginal groups have different needs, negotiations will not result in a single model of self-government. Self-government arrangements take many forms based on the diverse historical, cultural and political and economic circumstances of the Aboriginal groups, regions and communities involved.
  
  
• Self-government agreements address: the structure and accountability of Aboriginal governments; their law-making powers; financial arrangements; and their responsibilities for providing programs and services to their members.
  
  
• Aboriginal communities will benefit from having the same type of stable, legitimate, accountable, and responsive governments as those enjoyed by all Canadians. This will enable them to attract investment and engage in partnerships that will promote economic development and improve social conditions in their communities.

December 2004

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