Category: Elections

Posted June 25, 2020

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The polls for the Atikamekshek Anishnawbek have been open for 25 days.  We are now down to crunch time!  We’re in the final few hours before we select a new Gimaa and Council in the 2020 Election.

This is an important call to action.

If you haven’t yet done so, please vote now.

1. ONLINE, ELECTRONIC VOTING:  If you do not know how to vote, there are instructions here including an informative step-by-step video.  Join your fellow citizens have already cast their vote through online, electronic ballot.
   
2. AT THE POLLING STATION:  If you do not have a computer or smart phone, internet nor access to email, you can vote at the polling station on election day.  The official voting day will take place:

Saturday, June 27, 2020
from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
at the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek Community Centre.
Please bring one piece of ID with your name and picture.

If you are voting in person, please follow the instructions of the election staff to maintain physical distance and adhere to public health best practices.  Consider wearing a mask to the polling station.

“Booshke giin” – It’s your decision

As Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, you have asserted your authority in an inspiring and historic way when you created, ratified and enacted the Atikameksheng G‘Chi-Naaknigewin on July 24, 2015.  This is our constitution, the highest law of our people and authoritative statement of sovereignty and self-determination.

The G‘Chi-Naaknigewin reflects our strong inherent values and principles. Together, we stated we believe in our vision as Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, and that we proclaim we are free and independent.

To be truly empowered by those words, it is fundamental that all debendaagziwaad (citizens) assert their role, power and responsibility by selecting the leadership of their government.

The word debendaagziwaad is an incredibly insightful and descriptive Anishinaabemowin phrase.  It doesn’t simply mean Atikameksheng citizen.  (It certainly doesn’t mean Band member.)  It translates to “those who belong”.  It refers to those who belong as Atikameksheng Anishnawbek.  Nationhood belonging is our birthright and connects us to our ancestors.

When we vote, we honour and celebrate all those Atikameksheng who have asserted their nationhood and way of life and gifted us with life we enjoy today.

Miigwetchiwendam – Gratitude

We offer a g’chi-miigwetch (thank you) to the past and present Gimaa and Council for their vision and dedication to bringing us into this time and providing for these important new tools of governance. 

We are thankful for the administration and staff, our hard working Anishinaabe public servants, who do such great work on behalf of our families and our community.

We must also acknowledge and offer our heartfelt thanks to the Committee Members and advisors who brought us the Atikameksheng G‘Chi-Naaknigewin (constitution) and Gimaakeng Naaknigewin (election code).  This election is a testament to your dedication.

Finally, we want to wish all the candidates for the office of Gimaa and Councillor, all the best in the election.  No matter the result, we honour you for putting your name and ideas forward and your willingness to lead our community. 

Show your own thanks:  Act. Interact.  Vote.

The best way you can show your thanks is by exercising your right to vote.  Make the 2020 Gimaa and Council election a huge success by being a part of an overwhelming electoral turnout.

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Posted June 24, 2020

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Posted June 22, 2020 

If there is one enduring virtue of democracy it is the periodic check-and-balance that is fundamental to an accountable government – the election.  Inevitably, the electorate will go back to the polls to choose the person or persons that will oversee their governance. 

Politicians will come and go.  But voters will stand in line, battle the elements and fight for their right to vote and have done so for generations. 

But why does your vote really matter? 

Some will say that a single vote, or a single voter doesn’t really matter at all.  After all, they are just a single voice in the great chorus of society.  But there are so many good reasons to vote and to truly appreciate that your vote really does matter. 

We’re a small community 

Compared to other First Nations, Atikameksheng Anishnawbek is a relatively small community.  Our population is 1,322 citizens.  The voting electorate includes a total of 1,046 voters.  Often, there is a fascinating phenomenon that takes place during elections with a concentrated population.  A surge of individual votes can mean the difference of who will be the next Gimaa or who will win a Councillor seat.  Individual votes are incredibly important.   

Tie-breaking 

It doesn’t happen very often, but when it does, it inevitably results in voter’s regret.  There have been times when an election results in a tie.  Section 15 (q) of the Gimaakeng Naaknigewin (election code) states that in the event of a tie for Gimaa or for the final position of Councillor, a name will be drawn at random by the Electoral Officer.  This isn’t the way we would want to decide an important election.  Especially when you, your auntie or uncle could have cast the deciding ballot. 

Speaking of family, consider this…  your cousin is running for Councillor.  Setting aside that they are family, they are a great candidate and more than worthy of being elected.  They have great ideas and even a plan.  Election day comes and they lose the election by a single vote!  Infuriating, right?  Bring on the resulting voter’s regret. 

Consider the important issues 

Atikameksheng Anishnawbek is in a historic time for governance.  Never before have we had the tools of governance that may lead us to greater self-determination.  With the Atikameksheng G‘Chi-Naaknigewin (our constitution), the possibility of self-government can move beyond leadership selection.  We can begin to consider a broad spectrum of matters including citizenship, accountability, programs and service delivery and managing our lands and resources. 

With the global pandemic, good leadership will be needed to restore confidence in our collective public health.  The next Gimaa and Council will also need to re-establish our own economy and help send people back to work. 

These are important issues of the day.  Your vote will determine which direction the community will take.  More than ever, it’s important to learn about the candidates, their ideas and be an informed and motivated voter. 

Consider the right people 

Your vote is about selecting people.  In this election, you will be asked to select a new Gimaa.  You only get one vote – to place one ‘X’ or checkmark on that part of the ballot.  That choice is going to be incredibly important for each and every Atikameksheng voter. 

As you sit before your screen with your mouse hovering above all those names, or you stand with the pencil and ballot in your hand, or you will need to consider the person you’re voting for. 

• Who are they? 
• Are their values compatible with yours? 
• Are they honest and trustworthy? 
• Do they bring good ideas with them? 
• Do they bestow the virtues of the Seven Grandfather teachings? 

Overcoming voter apathy 

There has been some criticism over the number of votes being cast in recent votes. The threshold of consensus, and the participation rate of the electorate can certainly improve.  We can only achieve this and improve our community democracy through personal choice.  That can only happen if you act, interact and vote.  Encourage other, your family members to do the same. 

With all that being said, your vote really does matter.  Voting has never been easier.  Take personal action now.  Vote online today. 

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