Initiatives: Past, Present, Future
Demonstrating the power of unity to affect change, in the late 1970s Nishnawbe Aski Nation (then known as Grand Council Treaty 9) together with environmental groups launched a successful campaign against Reed Paper's pollution of the Wabigoon River system. As a result NAN halted Reed Paper from cutting an additional 19,000 square kilometers of forest in both Treaty 9 and Treaty 3. The campaign highlighted deficiencies in the government of Ontario's environmental assessment process and led to the Royal Commission on Northern Environment (1977).
NAN led the way in the development of regional Aboriginal organizations in the late 1970s and early 1980s, enabling program delivery to shift from the Government of Canada (Indian and Northern Affairs Canada) to Tribal Councils. NAN currently has seven Tribal Councils: Windigo First Nations Council, Wabun Tribal Council, Shibogama First Nations Council, Mushkegowuk Council, Matawa First Nations, Keewaytinook Okimakanak, Independent First Nations Alliance.
Mobilization and engagement of NAN youth through the declaration of the NAN Decade for Youth in 2001 has contributed to various successful initiatives in the areas of youth mentoring, literacy, and suicide prevention. Youth mentoring program Project Beyshick began in 2005. The week long program that pairs students from NAN territory with high level executives to learn practical business skills, focuses on developing and enhancing entrepreneurship among First Nations youth. Currently the program is conducted in Toronto with potential of growing internationally.
Throughout 2005 and 2006 NAN, together with fifteen signatory First Nation communities of James Bay Treaty 9, hosted commemorative events acknowledging the 100th anniversary of the treaty agreement. The two year commemoration was a chance for First Nations throughout Treaty 9 to reflect on the past and embrace the future. The people of Nishnawbe Aski acknowledged this historic anniversary by hosting events based on reflection, strong cultural traditions, and creating a vision for the future. By welcoming neighbours, guests, and political leadership into their homes and communities, the people of NAN set the stage for a positive reaffirmation of the treaty relationship.
In the Next 100 Years, NAN will continue advocating to improve the quality of life for the First Nations people of Nishnawbe Aski territory. Through meaningful dialogue with treaty partners (governments of Canada and Ontario) and strong partnerships and networks, NAN can create a future vision of self-determination to include opportunity for self-government, education and skills training, improved health care, participation in industry, and the development of viable economic bases for NAN communities.
