“With this step, we begin to break free of the paternalism and oppression we have been subject to for 163 years.” – Bob Goulais
My Fellow Nbisiing Anishinaabeg:
For the past few years, many hard working people of our community have been working to establish our very first Constitution, called Nbisiing Gichi-Naaknigewin. This is truly our first real step towards self-determination by establishing our very own sovereign law. This law is truly “by the people, for the people”… by Nbisiing, for Nbisiing. It has with nothing to do with the Indian Act or any colonial process. For me, this is the direction our First Nation needs to go. With this step, we begin to break free of paternalism and oppression we have been subject to for 163 years. This is our opportunity to take our own responsibility for our future.
Important Dates:
- From November 13 until January 10, community engagement. We have 59 days to learn about Chi-Naaknigewin and to show your support for our future. Ask questions. Get involved.
- December 5-6, 2013 advance voting days
- January 10, 2014 Ratification Day.
You will be able to ratify our Constitution through online voting. For the first time in our history, we are using the Internet to support our First Nation’s governance. That is, in itself, a positive step forward.
This was shared via Facebook earlier this afternoon:
Nipissing First Nation Administration said:
The ratification of the Nipissing First Nation Chi-Naaknigewin (Constitution) is underway.
In response to community feedback regarding the ratification dates, the time to learn about the Chi-Naaknigewin and to vote have been extended to January 10, 2014.
NFN is attempting to expand opportunities for members to engage in the voting process for this important initiative. In addition to in person voting on December 5, 6 and January 10, members can vote by mail in ballot or can cast their ballot over the internet using a secure connection provided by Scytl Canada. This new approach of using internet voting is an effort to make it easier for members to engage in the process. Online voting will be launched next week and will be open until January 10, 2013. Members will only be permitted to vote once and controls are in place to ensure duplicate voting between mail in, in person and online voting doesn’t occur.
On November 16, Scytl will be on-site at NFN’s Community Meeting to demonstrate how the online voting works and to answer questions.
You can also visit a separate information booth to learn more about the Chi-Naaknigewin, which is available online for download at www.nfn.ca
