June 12th Letter from Darlene Necan to the citizens of the Ojibway Nation of Saugeen #258

June 12th, 2018

To the citizens of the Ojibway Nation of Saugeen Indian Tribe #258,

I am writing to let you know that there will be a series of meetings taking place to prepare for the upcoming review process of our nation’s governance in accordance with the THE OJIBWAY NATION OF SAUGEEN INDIAN TRIBE CUSTOM AND USAGE CONVENTION.

The first meeting will happen on June 28th and 29th, 2018 at the Best Western Hotel in Sioux Lookout, at 2 Sturgeon River Rd, Sioux Lookout. The meetings will start at 9am and go until 4pm. The meetings are open to all citizens of the Ojibway Nation of Saugeen Indian Tribe #258.

There will be a second meeting to follow up on the matters discussed at this first meeting and we will choose that date and time at the meeting on June 28th-29th.

If you need more information, please reach me through Facebook Messenger or give me a call at 807-344-4439.

Darlene Necan

Spokesperson for On and Off Reserve Citizens
of the Ojibway Nation of Saugeen Indian Tribe #258.

Please Note:

In the year of 1985 we were recognized as an Indian Band within the meaning of the Indian Act, R.S.C. on April 15th, 1985 as Saugeen First Nation with an Indian Reserve of 22.7 square miles. In the year of 1994 we branched away from Native Indian Corporations, Organizations and affiliated Corporations. We believe in the year of 1996/97 the Saugeen logo was changed to what it currently is and took the title as the Ojibway Nation of Saugeen Indian Tribe, which included a Customary Chief. On December 9th of 1997, under a traditional gathering a Convention was established and executed by Chief Edward Machimity, that prescribed the rules and administration of the Ojibway Nation of Saugeen Indian Tribe and Indian Reserve no. 258.

In accordance to our Convention dated December 9th, 1997 called THE OJIBWAY NATION OF SAUGEEN INDIAN TRIBE CUSTOM AND USAGE CONVENTION, that under the Preamble it prescribes in the first paragraph and we quote:

“to reaffirm faith in the fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of man and woman and of a nation of the Citizens of the Ojibway Nation of Saugeen.”

And on Page 4 under the Review Procedure Section 8, it prescribes and we quote:

“That under a traditional gathering of the Citizens of Ojibway Nation of Saugeen Indian Tribe that a review to the conduct of the Customary Chief and Headmen will be in a form of an open discussion and the final decision will be based under the process of a customary practice and treaty, and that the Tribal, Custom and Usage shall take precedence on all matters of concern and this will be the final decision.”

And on Page 3, Section 6, under Composition of the Indian Government, it prescribes, and we quote:

“The Treaty Administration and Indian government of the Ojibway Nation of Saugeen Indian Tribe will consist of one (1) Customary Chief and each Headmen, not exceeding four (4), for the Ojibway Nation of Saugeen Indian Reserve #258.”

And on Page 3, Section 7, under Cutomary Procedures, it prescribes and we quote:

“That the Customary Chief and Headman will be appointed by and with the consent of the Citizens of the Ojibway Nation of Saugeen Indian Tribe and this procedure of customary practice will be in accordance with the process and custom of treaty and international law.”