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Governance and Laws of AOKFN

Governing Laws and Departments of AOKFN

Governing Statement

The Anishinaabe of the Kitchizibi are a distinct People whose lineage, identity, and responsibilities arise from many interconnected Anishinaabe Nations. Our Ancestors defended our lands, our laws, and our way of life with courage and purpose, ensuring that our inherent rights would endure for future generations. In honour of their sacrifices, we affirm our responsibility to uphold and protect those rights today.

As a sovereign People, we have fully disassociated ourselves from any First Nation, Métis organization, or external group that attempts to appropriate our bloodlines, history, research, or cultural identity for personal, political, or financial gain. Our Nation speaks for itself, stands on its own history, and governs according to our own laws and responsibilities.

Historically and legally, our rights are clearly affirmed. Petition No. 115, submitted by our Ancestor Chief Pierre Shawanapenesi, records an explicit commitment from the Crown recognizing our right to live in peace as our own Nation, with the same rights and protections afforded to any Reserve, including the rights to hunt, fish, and sustain ourselves on our ancestral lands. These rights do not depend on later proclamations, treaties, or administrative arrangements—they pre‑exist them.

Modern international law reinforces this truth. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP, C‑15) confirms the inherent rights of Indigenous Nations to self‑determination, land‑based practices, cultural continuity, and governance free from interference. These principles align directly with the commitments made to our Ancestors and remain binding upon the Crown today.

The Anishinaabe of the Kitchi Zibi will continue to assert and exercise these rights with dignity, responsibility, and respect for our Ancestors, our lands, and future generations.

Currently as we aim to build and exercise our Rights to Self Determination, our Governance is limited to the persons volunteering their time, in hopes, to benefit our descendants 7 generations from now. Below are Departments we are striving to develope for our own self determination;

  • Constitution of AOKFN
  • By-Laws of AOKFN
  • Justice & Enforcement Department
    • Mandate:
      • Protect our Lands, Nation and support the protection of Canada at all costs
      • Maintain Traditional knowledge and skill set from Anishinaabe routes
      • Provide a mobility capability for Law enforcement and Strategic protection in moving water both domestically and in support of Canada internationally
      • Provide Search and Rescue for First Nations and support to other agencies
      • Develop future generation Ogichidaa’s & Young Hunters
      • Assist Lands & Resources Department with training of youth in fishing, hunting & all harvesting
  • Lands & Resources Department
    • Mandate:
      • Provide Guidance and Protection on Harvesting and Resources
      • Work with ASF to support Indigenous youth with knowledge and traditions for future generations
  • Infrastructure Department
    • Mandate:
      • Assist and Provide AOKFN citizens with applications and overall permits
      • Ensure industry best practices are met
      • Provide support and information with all topics consistent with infrastructure and land development
  • Family Resources Department
    • Mandate:
      • Provide Family services to support AOKFN families in time of need
      • Provide support for education and resources for AOKFN families and children
      • Provide Mental Health & Addictions Treatment for AOKFN citizens
      • Provide an Anishinaabe Christian approach to healing
      • Provide culture and training for those seeking to learn
      • Assist in Education and career development for AOKFN citizens