Ahniin-Boozhoo Nbisiing Anishinaabeg, niin dwaymaaginidoog minwaa niikaanisidoog. Mno Canada-giizhgad.
(Ed. Note: This post turned out a little longer than I wanted in a Canada Day message because the message is so important. Please make sure you read and respond to the “Call To Action” below.)
Canada Day is a good time to reflect on our own Nationhood as Anishinaabe people. And not just because we may be taking the holiday off.
Whether you are a citizen of Nipissing First Nation, another First Nation community, the Anishinabek Nation or one of the many indigenous nations from sea to shining sea – all indigenous people should give serious thought to our own survival in the face of continued attempts at assimilation, racism and challenges to our sovereignty.
We also have to give careful thought to the selection of our leaders. Our leaders, our Gimaag and Gimaakwewag, are the people that we entrust with defending our Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, facilitating change and determining a course of action for our communities as we move towards Anishinaabe self-government.
On July 10, Nipissing First Nation has an election. For the first time in nine years we are electing a new Chief to lead us through one the most difficult times that our community has faced. These include serious challenges to our inherent, Aboriginal and Treaty rights. Outsiders are calling for an end to our legal rights. We are facing blatant racism from our neighbours. Those attitudes are being perpetuated by social media, the mainstream media and so-called stakeholder organizations. There is a serious issue to deal with in restoring the health of Lake Nipissing, building our economy and finding alternative and well-paying jobs to the commercial fishery. This is a serious time for us in Nipissing. We have to get this right!
My fellow Nbisiing men and women:
- We need a Chief that has the strength and competency to lead us through this important period of change.
- We need someone that will listen and care for our people.
- We need someone who has the energy, resilience and youthfulness to keep up with the grinding days, weeks, months and years ahead.
- Most importantly, we need someone who hasn’t been beleaguered and gun-shy by the inaction of their counterparts.
Electing an incumbent Councillor as our Chief is NOT change. It’s the same old, same old. We need someone who can confidently facilitate real change. Period. Full stop!!
For heaven’s sake, please don’t mark an ‘X’ next to a name just because you’ve been doing it for years or because you’ve been comfortable with them for years as a Councillor. Don’t vote for anyone just because they are a nice guy. They’re all nice guys. And don’t just vote for someone because they are your cousin. An election shouldn’t be a popularity contest. This is a serious time for us in Nipissing. We have to get this right!
To me, given what I’ve said in a previous post, Scott McLeod is the only choice for Chief of Nipissing First Nation.
A CALL TO ACTION
Please join me, as we launch the slogan: “I’m For Scott”.
- Please share this post, create your own Facebook status update, a Twitter tweet or social media post saying “I’m For Scott”. Let people know that you support real change by electing Scott McLeod.
- In your Facebook and social media posts, please use the hashtag: #ImforScott
- Please post or share the I’m For Scott image (above). Use it as your Profile Pic until July 10 at 8 p.m.
- Go to Scott’s Facebook page and hit “Like”.
- Share this post via Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.
Show your support for Scott McLeod. Be vocal and speak up, let your friends know that: “I’m For Scott”.
These little actions can go a long way in ensuring that the right decision is made at the ballot box.
Mi iw. Gchi Miigwetch, Anishinaabeg.
IMPORTANT ELECTION INFORMATION
- Advance Poll, Saturday, July 4 9-2 p.m. in Garden Village
- Election Day Friday July 10 9-8 p.m. in Duchesnay and Garden Village
- Living off-reserve? Please send in your mail-in ballots.
- Need more information, contact the Electoral Officer (705) 303-6868
Great message and hope all your band members read it and understand what is at stake here. Give Scott my best and I hope your message is heard and he has an opportunity to become Government Chief.