Grand Chief Alex McDougall represented the Anisininew Okimawin Grand Council at the inaugural Canada Investment Summit in Toronto this week, joining Prime Minister Mark Carney, Premier Wab Kinew, provincial leaders, and executives from some of the world’s largest investment institutions.

As the Anisininew Okimawin Grand Council’s principal spokesperson and advocate, Grand Chief McDougall raised the interests and aspirations of the Anisininew Nations; ensuring the Grand Council has a voice as Canada shapes the next generation of major project investment. Decision-making authority on matters affecting our lands and resources continues to rest, as it always has, with the Rights holders: the sovereign Anisininew Nations of Garden Hill, Wasagamack, St. Theresa Point and Red Sucker Lake.

We thank Premier Kinew and his team for their continued efforts to ensure Indigenous governments have a seat at the table at moments such as this.

Anisininew Okimawin was founded on the inherent right to self-determination, a right that is not delegated by any government, but restored and exercised by our Anisininew Nations themselves, as set out in the Anisininew Okimawin Constitution (2022).

Our Constitution enshrines the seven sacred teachings of Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility and Truth as the foundation guiding every decision of the Grand Council, alongside the collaborative consensus of our Chiefs and Councils. Guided by these principles, the Anisininew Okimawin Grand Council will continue building direct, respectful partnerships that create long-term opportunity for the Island Lake Anisininew Nations.