The Chief of Mississauga First Nation has been elected to represent Anishinabek Nation peoples across Ontario.
As part of the Grand Council virtual Assembly, Mississauga First Nation Chief Reg Niganobe was elected yesterday as Grand Council Chief of the Anishinabek Nation.
The final vote results were Chief Reginald with 20 votes to outgoing Chief Glen Hare’s 18.
Niganobe thanked the assembly stating there is much work to do, and he knows there are many issues to tackle, and they will be addressed.
Niganobe served on band council since 2009 and was elected chief in 2011.
The Anishinabek Nation says he has strong ties to the community and continues to be an advocate for youth supporting their knowledge around governance, treaties, and the history of the territory.
The assembly also elected four regional chiefs as part of the assembly, which continues today.
The Anishinabek Nation represents 39 First Nations throughout the province of Ontario.
A citizen of M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island, Glen Hare served four consecutive terms as Deputy Grand Council Chief of the Anishinabek Nation before being elected Grand Council Chief at the 2018 Grand Council Assembly in Fort William First Nation.
Hare congratulated Niganobe and offered his assistance through the transition period.
Starting in 2018, there was a change to have four Regional Deputy Grand Council Chiefs rather than one Deputy Grand Council Chief. The increase in Regional Deputy Grand Council Chiefs allows for greater capacity and political representation at the regional level. The four regions are: Northern Superior, Southwest, Southeast, and Lake Huron.
The newly elected Regional Deputy Grand Council Chiefs are:
Northern Superior Region – Chief Melvin Hardy, Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek
Southwest Region – Joe Miskokomon (acclaimed), Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
Southeast Region –James R. Marsden (acclaimed), Alderville First Nation
Lake Huron – Travis Boissoneau (acclaimed), Garden River First Nation
Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory has an ex-officio position on the Leadership Council. Ogimaa Duke Peltier currently holds that position.