Ratification voting on a document that will recognize Anishinabek nations as independent governments is now underway.
Chiefs from across the region met in Sault Ste. Marie this week to review the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement before the ratification process began.
Glen Hare, grand council chief of the 60,000-member Anishinabek Nation, says the agreement is the culmination of almost 25 years of negotiations and will formally recognize First Nations as governments and legal entities for the first time in modern history.
He says it paves the way for First Nations to pass their own laws governing citizenship, elections, culture, language and fiscal administration.
Hare adds, if ratified, it will remove Anishinabek First Nations from major portions of the Indian Act and open the doors on land, justice and health issues.
Ratification voting begins today and member First Nations will host votes until the end of November.
