Clan System Governance
Restoring the Anishinaabe Clan Goverance
For generations before European contact, the Anishinaabe people lived according to traditional governance guided by the Clan System. This system is not based on authority and control, but is rooted in Natural Law which seeks to maintain balance between all members of the community and all Creation.
Treaties based on a Nation-to-Nation basis date back to 1492 with counties like Spain, France and England.
'Canada' became a self-governing country through the British North America Act of 1867.
In 1876 legislation was consolidated and expanded in the first Indian Act.
The Assimilation "Genocide" policies started.
Puppet regimes as a governing structure are forced on Anishinaabe people by the colonial Government newly created "Canada".
The colonial systems that were forced on Anishinaabe continue to exist today and undermine the Great Clan System.
In 1927, Aboriginal ceremonies and political organizations were outlawed, further undermining the treaties and Clan System.
In honouring the 7 grandfather teachings with Love and compassion as guiding principles, Anishinaabe people have thrived under these colonial systems. The United Nations Declaration on Indigenous People has provided an avenue for the original governing structure "The Great Clan System" of the Anishinaabe people to be realized. The Clan System of governance can operate side by side with the colonial system to attempt, once again, a true Nation to Nation relationship with Canada. Bagitchegaywin can be the vehicle that will ensure respect for the systems that are currently in place. The original structures prior to European contact can once again thrive to influence the world in creating positive change.
Balance all of Creation.
Today, through the teachings of Clan System Elders, these traditional governance structures are being renewed to strengthen Anishinaabe Nationhood, restore cultural knowledge, and help future generations understand their roles, gifts, and responsibilities within the community. This work is not only about remembering the past, but about carrying forward a living system of governance grounded in wisdom, respect, and collective well-being.
The Clan Governance System has developed over thousands of years.
Join us as we explore the nuances and revitalize a balanced, cooperative way to live in harmony.
Policies of Assimilation
Clan System Elders
Each clan was assigned specific responsibilities to support the community. Some clans carried leadership responsibilities, others served as teachers and advisors, and others protected the people and the land. Together, the clans created a balanced system that guided decision-making, community life, and relationships with the natural world.
Over time, many of these teachings were disrupted as colonial systems replaced traditional ways of governance. As a result, many communities became separated from the knowledge of the clan responsibilities that once guided the people.
PaShawOneeBinace (Ralph Johnson) and many Elders in the Anishinaabe community share teachings that help restore and decolonize institutions in Canada, highlighting the value and purposes of the Anishinaabe Clan System and its importance in community life. Anishinaabe Nationhood, honours the sacred gifts of our Creator through the sacred teachings and cultural learning. PaShawOneeBinace, a powerful warrior, helps participants understand the original roles of the Seven Original Clan Leaders:
Loon Clan - Humility
Crane Clan - Honesty
Deer Clan - Love
Bear Clan - Respect
Turtle Clan - Truth
Eagle Clan - Wisdom
Martin Clan- Bravery
These Seven Original Clan Leaders carry the Seven Grandfather Teachings to support balance and responsibility.
Restoring Clan governance is about restoring and remembering the teachings that helped our People live in harmony with one another and with the land. By re-understanding these responsibilities, communities can strengthen cultural identity, leadership, and traditional knowledge for future generations.
These teachings continue through gatherings, workshops, and biweekly sacred teachings where participants can listen, learn, and reflect on the responsibilities carried by the clans and the guidance they offer today.
Bagitchegaywin
Bagitchegaywin is a custom honoured by Anishinaabe since the beginning of time. It is expressed as a gift of gratitude to any person who has provided services within the community that resonate in accordance with the principles of balance, harmony and healing.
Bagitchegaywin is a celebration of the bounty The Creator has given us in this world of form, encompassing everything we do on this Earth.
Connection and Exchange is essential for the well-being of all communities. Reciprocation, in the act of connection and exchange, ensures that all members of the community thrive. Offering money is one form of appreciation for services provided. Bagitchegaywin expands beyond money to celebrate and share all of the Earth's bounty. Anishinaabe continue to honor this custom at all ceremonies, remembering that the gifts of the Earth are the sustenance that keep us alive and in good health as we navigate the challenges of life.
WeQuenGwayWin, as a Clan based entity, has always operated and delivered services through the principles of Bagitchegaywin. People requesting services honor the exchange by offering a generous gift. Bagitchegaywin enables us to continue delivering services. All the contributors who share their knowledge, time and resources to this effort are compensated.
As more Canadians and people around the world become aware of the sacred teachings, we can beneficially reshape our environment for future generations. Through Bagitchegaywin the sacred Clan System can once again thrive and bring true democracy into the world. A term that was used in assigning a monetary contribution to Bagitchegaywin is "ahpeetandamun" which translates to how much valuable you place on the service or gift requested or received.
A concrete example of the spirit of Bagitchegaywin is illustrated by a group of individuals, businesses and property owners in British Columbia who have set up a trust called "Reciprocity Trust". The funds raised go towards the priorities set by Anishinaabe in that area and other regions. The funds received through Bagitchegaywin can be utilized within each organization, institution or business in Canada for true reconciliation. The Clan Elders would then identify priorities based on the customs and beliefs held in that region. There are many people across Turtle Island (North America) ready to step up to that challenge.
The vision of our Elders, who signed the treaties, speaks about the day when our ways will be respected and included in the boarder community as the challenges of life become greater. Clan Elders through WeQuenGwayWin are committed to bringing these sacred ways to the forefront so everyone can thrive in a better future. The decolonization of Canada and all its institutions must include the re-emergence of the Great Clan System that governed Turtle Island before European contact.
Clan Elders Gathering
Lac Seul First Nation
April 23 - 26, 2019
CEREMONY CLAN ELDERS DECLARATION
CLAN – 0001
Anishinaabe declaration of support to protect our ceremonies and Anishinaabe heritage by reviving the clan system of governance.
WHERE AS: A four (4) day conference was held at Obishikokaang, Lac Seul First Nation April 23-26, 2019;
WHERE AS: Clan elders, ceremonial keepers, knowledge and language keepers, sacred law keepers (Kikekawin) from Treaty 3, Treaty 9, Treaty 5, Robinson Superior Treaty, and grass roots people from other treaty areas across Ontario attended with social workers, educators, and the Anishnaabe Grass Roots Citizens;
WHERE AS: All representatives present at the conference are in full support of protecting, promoting and preserving our Anishinaabe language, heritage and ceremonies by exercising the clan system governance (Menegoosendam);
WHERE AS: Funding is required to formalize this very important endeavor;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: All representatives present at the conference hereby declare that we seek a Resource Authorization Agreement from willing participants (good corporate citizens operating in our Traditional Land Use Area) and provide necessary full and meaningful consultation to the affected areas of concern;
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED: That all representatives present at the conference, hereby declare the right to exercise the inherent right and truths of the clan system (Memegoosandam) known as Manito Aski Inakonigaywin to engage in a process to achieve a Resource Authorization Agreement or RAA reflective of Manito Aski Inakonigaywin;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: This said declaration is supported unanimously by Standing Vote of the Grass Roots Citizens and Representation of the Treaty3, Treaty 9, Treaty 5, Robinson Superior Treaty and all representatives in attendance April 26th, 2019 in Obishikokaang, Lac Seul First Nation in the presence of Hereditary Chief of Frenchman’s Head, Obishikokaang, Lac Seul First Nation;
FINALLY BE IT RESOLVED: This said declaration was supported by consulting the Chiisikaan (Shaking Tent Ceremony) and the Yuwipi (Star Blanket) ceremonies.
Decolonization of Canada
Colonization of Canada - Colonial Impacts
There is nothing existing or produced in Canadian territory that is not dependent upon, and benefiting from the fraudulent seizure and theft of indigenous lands.
There is nothing happening in Canada that does not depend on the deliberate destruction of indigenous identity and the dis-empowerment of indigenous Canadian peoples.
All laws and policies in Canada are racist and violent towards Anishnaabe people.
If you receive government funding you are being paid to suppress Anishnabe customs, values and beliefs.
Anishnaabe under duress and coercion by Canada, were forced to implement colonial assimilation policies under the Indian Act.
If you work for, receive money from the government or own a business, you are benefiting and profiting from stolen land and resources.
Policies of Assimilation
The definition of colonization is the action or process of setting among and establishing control over Indigenous people of an area. From the time the Dominion of Canada was Federated in 1876 until the Constitution (1982) came into force, Indigenous rights were not considered, and Treaty rights were disregarded.
Canadian policy and its legislation were designed and enacted to:
“…do away with the tribal system and assimilate the Indian people in all respects with the inhabitants of the dominion.”
This Canadian policy of Aboriginal assimilation was given to Canada by the first Prime Minister, Sir John A MacDonald. It was put into action with legislation that designed and forced non-Anishnabe education systems, social policies and economic developments on Anishnabe people to extinguish Anishnabe rights, culture, and Infrastructure.
The purpose of forced Anishnabe assimilation was the extensive annexation on Anishnabe lands and resources.
Pathways to Decolonization
The colonization of different parts of the world has created a moral dilemma for many. Colonization creates a world where all laws and policies are violent and racist to Anishinaabe people. Pathways below offer a way out of the moral dilemma faced here in Canada:
1. Revitalization of the Clan System
2. Bagitichigawin: the custom of giving thanks to the Creator for the bounty we enjoy. This is a revenue source for Clan Governance
3. Manitou-Aki Ehnokowayin: Treaty #3 initiative
4. Reciprocity Trusts: for example, the initiative started in British Columbia after the discovery of 215 bodies of children outside a Residential School.
