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 miles 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. Additionally, NAN has four independent First Nations: Sandy Lake First Nation, Mishkeegogamang; Mocreebec and Weenusk.
Mobilization and engagement of NAN youth through Oshkaatasik Council has contributed numerous successful initiatives in the areas of youth mentoring, literacy and suicide prevention. Since 2005, mentoring program Project Beyshick, continues to pair NAN students with high level business executives encouraging and enhancing youth entrepreneurship within First Nation communities. The Lieutenant Governor’s ongoing literacy camps also continue to encourage and support the importance of reading and literacy among NAN youth. The camps have spawned the establishment of new partnership developments with Microsoft Canada, as literacy moves towards technology. Also, NAN has established both Junior Ranger and Ranger programs in partnership with the National Army to promote life skills among First Nation peoples. Presently, there are 18 camps across NAN territory. As a legacy to the Olympics, NAN developed a partnership with Right to Play; an organization that partners with Olympic and professional athletes to offer life skills training through sport. Presently two pilot programs have been launched in Sandy Lake and Moose Cree First Nations with plans to expand. In addition to the Oshkaatasik Council, there is also an Elders and Women’s Council. The Elders provide a great deal of knowledge and advice to NAN’s Executive and Chiefs in Assembly. The wisdom of their experiences is an important part of the success of the organization. Additionally, NAN’s Women’s Council is a valued component of NAN’s assemblies offering a unique and needed perspective on many issues ensuring those relevant to both women and children are brought to the table. These councils ensure a well-rounded and whole review of the issues, concerns, joys and successes of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
In summer 2010 NAN, together with the signatory communities of Treaty No. 5 Adhesions, hosted commemorative events acknowledging the 100th anniversary of the treaty agreement. The commemoration was a chance for First Nations throughout Treaty No. 5 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 continue to set the stage for a positive reaffirmation of the treaty relationship.
In the next 100 years, NAN will continue to improve the quality of life for the First Nations people of Nishnawbe Aski territory. Through existing partnerships and agreements with treaty partners (government of Canada and Ontario), NAN will be self-determining with functioning self-government that has secured and implemented the needed programs and services in education and capacity-building and improved healthcare; and both industry and private sector partnerships are the foundation of a thriving economic base for NAN communities.
