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CONSTITUTION OF THE ANISHINAABE OF THE KITCHI ZIBI FIRST NATION

PREAMBLE

We, the Anishinaabe of the Kitchi Zibi First Nation, descendants of the families recorded in Petition 115, affirm that our inherent sovereignty, our sacred relationship to the land, and our right to govern ourselves are protected under:

These instruments recognize our inherent rights, our continuity as a people, and our authority to maintain and strengthen our political, legal, economic, social, and cultural institutions.

Our sovereignty predates the Crown and Confederation. It has never been surrendered, ceded, or extinguished. We enact this Constitution to protect our people, our lands, our laws, and our future generations.

SECTION I — SOVEREIGNTY AND INHERENT RIGHTS

1.1 Inherent Sovereignty

The Anishinaabe of the Kitchi Zibi First Nation are a sovereign Indigenous nation. Our sovereignty originates from our ancestors, our laws, and our relationship to the Kitchi Zibi watershed.

1.2 Recognition of Rights

Our inherent rights are recognized and protected by:

1.3 Continuity of Petition 115

The descendants of Petition 115 constitute a continuous Indigenous nation recognized by the Crown before Confederation, with rights equivalent to reserve‑holding nations.

1.4 Non‑Derogation

No external government may diminish, override, or extinguish our inherent rights, jurisdiction, or identity.

SECTION II — NATIONAL PURPOSE AND PRINCIPLES

2.1 Purpose

This Constitution exists to:

2.2 Guiding Principles

Our governance is guided by:

SECTION III — TERRITORY AND LAND RIGHTS

3.1 Unceded Territory

The territory of the Anishinaabe of the Kitchi Zibi First Nation consists of the lands historically stewarded by the families of Petition 115. These lands are unceded and as such remain under our jurisdiction.

3.2 Aboriginal Title

We hold Aboriginal title to our lands, including:

3.3 Protection of Land

No land may be sold, surrendered, or transferred without the free, prior, and informed consent of the nation.

3.4 Stewardship Responsibility

We hold a sacred duty to protect the land, waters, plants, animals, and all relations for future generations.

SECTION IV — CITIZENSHIP

4.1 Citizenship by Descent

Citizenship is held by the descendants of the families recorded in Petition 115.

4.2 Citizenship by Adoption

The nation may adopt individuals into citizenship according to Anishinaabe law and custom.

4.3 Citizenship Rights

Citizens have the right to:

4.4 Citizenship Responsibilities

Citizens must:

SECTION V — GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

5.1 The National Council

A. Composition

The National Council consists of:

B. Authority

The National Council:

C. Decision‑Making

Decisions are made by:

5.2 The Office of the Chief

A. Role

The Chief:

B. Selection

The Chief is selected according to Anishinaabe custom and affirmed by the families.

C. Accountability

The Chief is accountable to the National Council and the people.

5.3 Elders and Knowledge Keepers

A. Role

Elders and Knowledge Keepers:

B. Authority

Their guidance is binding in matters of cultural law.

SECTION VI — LAW‑MAKING AND LEGAL SYSTEM

6.1 Anishinaabe Law

Our legal system is rooted in:

6.2 Law‑Making Authority

The National Council may enact laws concerning:

6.3 Enforcement

The nation has the right to:

SECTION VII — JUSTICE AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

7.1 Restorative Justice

Justice shall be guided by:

7.2 Dispute Resolution Council

A council of Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and appointed mediators shall resolve disputes.

7.3 Jurisdiction

The nation has jurisdiction over:

SECTION VIII — RELATIONS WITH OTHER GOVERNMENTS

8.1 Nation‑to‑Nation Relations

All relations with external governments shall be conducted on a nation‑to‑nation basis.

8.2 Free, Prior, and Informed Consent

No government or corporation may undertake any activity on our lands without the free, prior, and informed consent of the Anishinaabe of the Kitchi Zibi First Nation.

8.3 International Standing

The nation may engage with international bodies to protect its rights.

SECTION IX — AMENDMENTS

9.1 Amendment Process

This Constitution may be amended by:

9.2 Protection of Inherent Rights

No amendment may diminish inherent rights, land rights, or sovereignty.

SECTION X — RATIFICATION

This Constitution comes into force upon ratification by the families of the Anishinaabe of the Kitchi Zibi First Nation and shall serve as the supreme law of our people.