BY-LAW NUMBER 1A by-law relating generally to the conduct of the affairs ofTHE ANISHINAABEK LAND TRUST OF ONTARIO“Take care of the land, and she will take care of you”

-Elder Mooshum Peter O’Chiese

Section 1 - General 1.01 Glossary

1. In the By-laws of The Anishinabek Land Trust of Ontario Incorporated, a) Act: the Canada Corporations Act, R.S.C. 1970, chapter C-32, and regulations made

under the Act, as the same may be amended or substituted from time to time; b) By-laws: includes By-law Number 1 and such other by-laws, duly passed in accordance

with the By-laws and the requirements of the Act, of the Land Trust.c) Capacity: the ability to perform all the actions required to acquire and manage

conservation land and conservation agreements and manage other programs by having adequate human and financial resources and organizational systems in place.

d) Chief: an elected official from each clan will be named Chief of that clan. e) Clan: the clan system for most Indigenous cultures is a traditional form of governance

whereby each clan has teachings and customs that are crucial to their identity and associated with an animal that shares those traits and characteristics.

f) Clans Member: every Anishinaabek person incorporated within The Land Trust will have an identified Clan, all members of a clan are Clan Members.

g) Committee: Operational Roles outlined in Section 5 pertains to the inclusion of Land Trust committees. All Clans members are part of a committee as they are a part of a Clan.

h) Conflict of Interest: a conflict of interest arises when “Insiders” (see definition) are in a position, or perceived to be in a position to benefit financially (or create a benefit to a family member or other organization with which they are associated) by virtue of their position within the non-profit organization.

i) Conservation Agreement: a legally binding agreement voluntarily entered into between a landowner and a conservation organization (including a land trust, the federal, provincial or municipal government) to restrict the use of subject real property to protect the heritage values of the property, and may include a servitude for the use and benefit of dominant land, a covenant or an easement.

j) Council: the Council is made up of an elected Chief from each of the seven clans. k) Doodem: Anishinabek Clan. l) Elder: a person who is valued for their wisdom and knowledge. m) GAAP: the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) issues Generally

Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). CICA’s Handbook of Accounting and Auditing Standards provides standards for Financial Statements for Not-for-Profit Organizations.

n) Fee Simple: the most extensive tenure allowed under the feudal system allowing a tenant to sell or convey by will or transfer to an heir if the owner died intestate. In modern law, almost all land is held in fee simple and this is as close as one can get to absolute ownership in common law.

o) Important Conservation Values: these are the key values on a site that are the focus of protection efforts. Important conservation values are determined during property evaluation and project planning.

p) Insiders: Council and Chiefs, substantial contributors, parties related to the above, those who have an ability to influence decisions of the organization and those with access to information not available to the general public.

q) Land Trust: a charitable organization that, as all or part of its mission, actively works to conserve land by undertaking or assisting in land or conservation agreement, or by engaging in the stewardship of such land or conservation agreements.

r) Officer: Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer of the Land Trust, as well as any other person designated an officer of the Land Trust in accordance with the By- laws.

s) Private Benefit: when the net earnings of a charitable organization come to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.

t) Qualified Independent Appraisal: an independent appraisal prepared in compliance with the Canadian Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice by a certified appraiser who has verifiable conservation agreement or conservation real estate experience.

u) Short Narrative: a written estimation of a property’s value most often prepared by a qualified appraiser and occasionally prepared by a highly experienced real estate professional. A short narrative may be used instead of a qualified independent appraisal when the economic value of the property is so low as to negate concerns about private benefits, or when a full appraisal is not feasible before a public auction. (A short narrative is not sufficient in the case of transactions with insiders.)

v) Talking Circle: a process by which Council, Chiefs, and Clan members will use to reach consensus on various decisions. The talking circle involves the sharing of ideas, thoughts and processes by all those involved to ensure equal voice and participation within the Land Trust.

w) The Land Trust: The Anishinabek First Nation Land Trust. x) Traditional Knowledge: a body and practice of Knowledge that often stems from the

sense of self that comes from a relationship with the land and is passed down through generations of Knowledge Holders.

y) Vision Quest: a vision quest, as defined in this document, is a spiritual journey with a Healer or Elder to connect with Creator and seek answers. An example being a naming ceremony or doodem identification, where one can learn their spirit name or traditional doodem

1.02 Interpretation Other than as specified in Section 1.01, all terms contained in this by-law that are defined in the Act shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Act. Words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa.

1.03 Severability and Precedence The invalidity of enforceability of any provision of this By-law shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this By-law. If any of the provisions contained in the By-laws are inconsistent with those contained in the Articles or Purposes, the provisions contained in the Articles or Purposes, as the case may be, shall prevail. 1.04 Seal The seal of the Corporation, if any, shall be in the form determined by the clans.

1.05 Execution of Contract Deeds, transfers, assignments, contracts, obligations and other instruments in writing requiring execution by the Corporation may be signed by chiefs from Heron and Loon doodem. In addition, the doodems may from time to time direct the manner in which and the person by whom a particular document or type of document shall be executed. Any person authorized to sign any document may affix the corporate seal, if any, to the document. Any person authorized to sign any document may affix the corporate seal, if any to the document. Any clansperson may certify a copy of any instrument, resolution, by-law or other documents of the Corporation to be a true copy thereof.

Section 2 - Clan System

1.01 Traditional Governance

“Long ago, before the Anishinabek were placed on Mother Earth, the Creator told all of the animals that humans were coming and they would not be able to provide for themselves. The animals agreed that they would take care of the people and show them how to live in harmony with all Creation. The animals said, “We will sacrifice ourselves as food, so they won’t starve. We will offer our skins to them so that they will be warm. We will teach them what medicines and ceremonies to use to heal themselves.” It was just as the animals had said when the Anishinabek arrived. The animals kept their word and provided the people with all they needed to survive. The Anishinabek were very thankful for the animals and their generosity. The animals were teachers, and the Anishinabek watched carefully. Our ancestors saw that each animal species had a significant role to play and that together the animals achieved an incredible balance between each other. Through these observations, the Anishinabek organized their communities based on the relationships they saw the animals around them. This social structure is the clan system. Anishinabek family groups were assigned the roles and responsibilities of a

particular animal that lived in their region. This then became their clan.” (KBIC Health System, 2019)

2.02 Traditional Clan Traits and Responsibilities Before European contact, Anishinabek did not use family names — their clan identity served this purpose. Anishinabek children are born into the clan of their father. With the clan system, Anishinabek communities established a balance of power and specialization of skills and responsibilities. Clan animals vary by region because they were based on the animals that inhabited a particular area (KBIC Health System, 2019). The Anishinabek Land Trust will honour these traditional governance systems to (re)connect people to the land and their culture.

Heron or Crane Clan External Decisions and Protector:The heron stands in the water observing the world above the water line. Because the crane observes the outside world.. The Crane Clan is responsible for communicating community needs with people from other communities (KBIC, 2019). Like the loon, the heron looks into the water, but in an attempt to find balance. The Heron needs to find the balance in all things in order not to drown and to successfully catch a fish; He needs to learn to balance time (patience with action); space (personal physicality with being present to what surrounds him); emotion (heart with head; spirit with grounded-ness) etc. The Heron has respect for every Nation and knows their practices and cultures (Anishinaabek of Red Lake).

Loon Clan Internal Protector:The loon dives and sees the happenings inside the water. In this way, the Loon Clan is known as the internal protector. The loon attempts to find love, but looks in the water which can be a mirror, and has to distinguish between what is real and true and what is only animage and false. In other words, finding your dreams and being able to discern through a fog are the gifts of a loon. The loon call is a cry to Creator for love and dreams to come true. The loon teaches about love and relationships. Has respect for every member of the community; for every clan and knows every clan and their practices. (Anishinaabek of Red Lake).

Bear Clan Healers and Protectors:The mother bear protects her cubs with ferocity. She is also cunning and knowledgeable about the plants of the forest. Like the mother bear, the Bear Clan is responsible for protecting their people. It is said that people of the Bear Clan are short tempered and live on the outside of the village to ensure the safety of the gentler clans inside the village. The bear clan is also the medicine people for they know the healing ways of the plants available to them (KBIC, 2019). Bears represent the deep knowing we all have; bear brings knowledge of healing to benefit us all.

It is an innate trait. The bear may be short tempered but is a peacekeeper within the community (Anishinaabek of Red Lake).

Deer/Hoof Clan Reconciler:The Deer or Hoof Clan were known for their kindness, gentle and soft spoken nature like the animals they represent. The Hoof Clan were responsible for looking after the social aspects of the community including ceremonies and celebrations (KBIC, 2019). Whenever I need to slow down and reconsider my immediate or emotional reaction to someone, something, or a situation, a deer will cross my path as a reminder to be gentle and kind; to approach the situation or person with care, Deer can soothe the soul and is gentle. Deer is artistic, caring, sociable, and gentle in expression (Anishinaabek of Red Lake).

Bird Clan, Spirit Leaders and Guidance:The bird can fly high in the sky observing the world at great distances. Like the Eagle, the bird is known to be closest to the creator as they are part of the sky world and can access his/her wisdom. The Bird Clan are the keepers of knowledge and responsible for spreading the seeds of knowledge. The Bird Clan were traditionally the teachers and farmers (KBIC, 2019). Birds are known as messengers from the Creator, having a deep spiritual connection (Anishinaabek of Red Lake).

Marten Clan:The small, agile marten is limber, quick-tempered, ferocious, has quick reflexes and is an excellent hunter. Members of the Marten Clan carry these characteristics and as a result are the strategists, warriors, and builders within their community (KBIC, 2019).

Fish Clan, Advisors & Philosophers:The fish watch the sky and have the knowledge of the sun, stars, and moon. In this way, the Fish Clan hold the most intelligence and are the people's philosophers. They are also advisers to the Chief Clans (KBIC, 2019). They are stargazers and as such observant and intelligent individuals they can predict outcomes. They also have great memories (Anishinaabek of Red Lake, 2019).

2.03 Identifying Clans Due to colonization and historical trauma, many Anishinaabek don’t know their clan. By researching family, church, treaty, band or school records sometimes this information can be discovered. One can also offer tobacco to a spiritual person who can seek the information needed to find out what clan one belongs to. The Anishinabek Land Trust will provide a safe space for Anishinaabek to reconnect and discover their clan if not already known.

Section 3 - Membership

3.01 Clan Membership At the time of incorporation, and for the first annual general meeting, the members of the Corporation shall consist of the Anishinaabek incorporators named in the articles and such other persons interested in furthering the Corporation’s purposes and who have been accepted into membership in the Corporation by resolution of the Clans. Land trust membership will be open to all Anishinaabek First Nations, whereas donations will be open to anyone in support of The Land Trust Mission regardless of their culture or race. The bylaws note that membership is limited to Anishinabek First Nations to ensure that the interests of conservation honour traditional knowledge and teachings of the original inhabitants of the land and area. In addition, each Anishinabek must know or learn their Clan in order to ensure the integrity of traditional governance. The Land Trust recognizes that not all Anishinabek know their Clan or Doodem. If an Anishinabek does not know their Clan, The Land Trust will fully support their journey to identify their clan, as outlined in section 2.03 of the Anishinabek Land Trust Bylaws. Clan members must be at least 18 years of age in order to participate in voting and decision-making processes for The Land Trust.

3.02 Membership Registration A person satisfying the membership criteria set out in section 3.01 may register within the appropriate type of membership in the Corporation by completing the Membership Form adopted by the Council from time to time and delivering the form to the place of business of the Corporation by hand, ordinary mail, fax, or email. This ensures appropriate contact information for each member as well as voting and participation privileges. Once a clan member joins there will be an initiation of ceremony, and prayer to honor their relationship to the land and community. The protocol for this event will be set out by the Elders committee of the Anishinabek Land Trust.

3.03 Members in Good Standing A) The Council may, from time to time, direct by ordinary resolution that an annual fee is payable within each membership type for a member to be in good standing, except for those exempted from fee payment by the Council. B) All members are in good standing except:

1. a member who has failed to pay in full, when due, the membership fee required by the Council 2. a member who has been suspended by the membership pursuant to these bylaws.

3.04 Members Voting Each member of The Land Trust in good standing from Clan membership and/or Council shall be entitled to vote at meetings of The Land Trust, subject to election registration criteria as set forth in these by-laws. Members in the Supporter category of member-ship are not entitled to vote or to stand for election as a Council member.

3.05 Members Ceasing to be Members

1. A) A member shall cease to be a member of The Land Trust: 1. By delivering a resignation in writing to the Corporation; 2. On has been a member not in good standing for more than 12 consecutive months.

2. B) The Council of The Land Trust may, by a resolution duly passed by at a Council meeting by at least two-thirds of the votes cast at the meeting, suspend or expel any member. The notice of the resolution shall be provided to the member who is the subject of the resolution at least 14 days in advance of the meeting and shall include a brief statement of the reasons for the proposed suspension or expulsion. The member who is the subject of the proposed action shall be entitled to an opportunity to be heard at the meeting before the resolution is put to a vote.

Section 4 - Governance

4.01 Chiefs Each Clan will have one Chief which will be elected by their clan members. Chiefs can be of any gender.

4.02 Council The Council consists of a Chief from each of the seven Clans. There will therefore be a total of 7 Chiefs that make up The Land Trust Council.

4.03 Election of Chiefs Traditionally, Chiefs of each Doodem or Clan would be passed down through inheritance. However, due to colonization and historical trauma, many of these outlets have been lost. As such, Chiefs will be elected by clans members of each respective Doodem.

4.04 Vacancies In the event that there is no clan members of a specific doodem, another clan suitable will fill the responsibilities of the vacant clan until more members become available to fill the said clan or doodem.

4.05 Annual Meeting The annual meeting shall be held at a time, on a day and at a place within Ontario fixed by the Council. Notice of the meeting must be provided to all clan members and must include a description of the business to be transacted at the meeting. The business transacted at the annual meeting shall include:

1. receipt of the agenda; 2. receipt of the minutes of the previous annual and subsequent special meetings; 3. consideration of the financial statements; 4. report of the auditor or person who has been appointed to conduct a review engagement; 5. reappointment or new appointment of the auditor or a person to conduct a review en-

gagement for the coming year; 1. election of Doodem Chiefs; and 2. such other or special business as may be set out in the notice of meeting.

No other item of business shall be included on the agenda for the annual meeting unless a Member’s proposal has been delivered to the Chair prior to the issuing of notice of the annual meeting in accordance with the Act, so that such item of new business can be included in the notice of annual meeting.

4.06 Special Meetings Any Chief from any Doodem can call a meeting. The Chiefs may call a special meeting of the Clan members. The Council shall convene a special meeting on written requisition of not less than one- tenth of the Members in good standing for any purpose connected with the affairs of The Land Trust that does not fall within the exceptions listed in the Act or is otherwise inconsistent with the Act, within 21 days from the date of the deposit of the requisition.

4.07 Notice of Meeting Subject to the Act, not less than 10 and not more than 50 days written notice of any annual or special Clan members meeting shall be given in the manner specified in the Act to each Clans Member and to the auditor or person appointed to conduct a review engagement. Notice of any meeting where special business will be transacted must contain sufficient information to permit the Clans Members to form a reasoned judgment on the decision to be taken.

4.08 Eligibility to Vote In order to be eligible to vote at any meeting of the Land Trust, each Clans member in good standing of the Land Trust from the Council, and Clans categories of membership must be at

least 18 years of age and have been registered as a member of The Land Trust no less than five business days before the meeting date. The Land Trust shall keep a record of all registered members, including contact information and date of registration. The day of registering as a member in good standing and the day of the meeting shall be excluded for the purpose of determining whether the five-day requirement has been satisfied. Any question as to the eligibility of a person to vote at a meeting will be determined by the Chief of Loon Clan prior to the commencement of the meeting based on the evidence available of being in good standing and meeting any necessary registration requirements.

4.09 Decision Making The Chief from Crane Clan will be responsible for executing all decisions regarding external relations or matters such as the involvement of outside community members. The Chief from Loon Clan will be responsible for executing all decisions regarding internal relations or matters, such as disputes between clans. A minimum of two signatures, one from the Chief of Heron Clan and one from the chief of Heron Clan is required for the execution of written contracts and agreements. Decision making outside of these matters will be the responsibility of the council.

4.10 Quorum A minimum of 5 Chiefs, 1 representing each Doodem, is required for the transaction of business at a meeting. 4 out of the 5 of these Chiefs must be from Bear, Fish, Loon and Heron Clan. A quorum must be present throughout the meeting in order for the Members to proceed with the business of the meeting.

4.11 Chair of the Meeting The meeting Chair will be rotated between Clan Chiefs, if not voluntarily decided by the Council. The Chair of the Council shall be the Chair of the Members’ meeting; but in the Chair’s absence, the Members present at any Members’ meeting shall choose another Chief as Chair and if all of the Chiefs present decline to act as Chair, the Members present shall choose one of their numbers to Chair the meeting. The Chair may also be deemed by the suitability determined by the subject at hand. For example, if a meeting is called about Medicines or Healing Ceremonies, the Bear Clan will be responsible for Chairing the meeting.

4.12 Committees Operational roles outlined in Section 5 pertains to the inclusion of Land Trust committees. All Clans members are part of a committee as they are a part of a Clan. Committees may hold separate meetings regarding operations relevant to a specific clan or clans. The committees may hold their meetings at the head office or such place or places the committee may from time to time determine.

4.13 Talking Circles

In order to reach consensus, The Land Trust will promote adopting standards of representation, diversity, and equal voice. The Land Trust will employ forums that allow dialogue, requiring that the organization invests time in dialogue and decision making. The Land Trust will espouse using Traditional Talking Circles as a responsible and respectful practice, which has been proven effective over millennia by Indigenous Peoples around the world. Talking Circles will be utilized because they honor all participants by allowing them equal voice, and prevent dominant personalities from ruling. Talking Circles will also conduct transparently and entrench accountability, dissuading self-interest and instead promoting loyalty to the cause and to the greater good. These aspects of diverse viewpoints, along with the duration of dialogue, result in responsive inclusive decisions. The Land Trust will acknowledge in these bylaws, that First Nations have lived in North America for thousands of years and have passed their knowledge to one generation after another employing an Oral Tradition. Stories are powerful modes of teaching and recording. They are immediately inclusive as they are integrative and dynamic; but more is that they allow the listener to empathize with the characters, events and details. Empathy is the basis of learning as it provides orientation and consideration of new perspectives and ideas. Therefore, oral storytelling and sharing provide a good foundation for inclusive responsive decisions. Furthermore, empathy and knowledge born of stories, as opposed to static information supports the listener by helping them retain the key lessons and remember what was shared. Indigenous traditions employ circles, dialogue and stories for governance; to understand issues, to assess impacts, to advise and to choose appropriately.

Talking circles will be used by Clan members, Council, and Chiefs to reach consensus and make decisions. Any decision made affecting a Clan member, Council member or Chief requires that all parties be present and voiced in the process of coming to said decision. Council meeting will use Talking Circles, as well as Clan member meetings. Within a Talking circle, all participants must oblige to the following rules:

1) One person talks at a time (talking object may be used to ensure this) 2) The person talking has the full attention and respect of those around them 3) Matters discussed within the talking circle stays within the talking circle (full

transparency) 4) Everyone is equal within the talking circle and has an equal opportunity to voice and

share their opinion or concerns within a safe space5) Silence is an acceptable response and must be respected. As such, there must be no

negative reactions to the phrase “I pass”. 6) A talking circle may be opened with prayer or smudge to cleanse the room and prepare

for dialect 7) The talking object will be passed around in a clockwise direction 8) It is respectful for the person talking to introduce themselves to the rest of the group

4.14 ConsensusDecisions will be reached through consensus by all clan members. Clan members will voice their thoughts, opinions and concerns to the chief of their doodem who will then relay these thoughts, opinions and concerns to the council. The process for reaching consensus requires discussion and agreement with all council members (chiefs of the seven clans). It is important to note that council chiefs represent the members of each clan and take responsibility for relaying any concerns to the rest of the clan chiefs (figure 2). Talking circles will be held among clan members, and then among the council to ensure the soundness of this process.

4.15 Recording/Adjournments The Chair may adjourn any meeting of The Land Trust at any time and from time to time. An adjournment may be made with or without a quorum being present. No notice of such adjourn- ment needs to be given to the Clan members, unless the meeting is adjourned by one or more adjournments for an aggregate of 50 days of more. Any business may be brought before or dealt with at any adjourned meeting which might have been brought before or dealt with at the original meeting in accordance with the notice calling the same.

4.16 Processes Decision-making processes are outlined in Section 4.08 and 4.12 of the bylaws.

4.17 Conflict of Interest A Council, Chief or Clan member who is in any way directly or indirectly materially interested in a contract or transaction, or a proposed contract or transaction, with The Land Trust shall make the disclosure required by the Act. Except as provided by the Act, no such Council or Clan member shall attend any part of a meeting of Councillors or vote on any resolution to approve any such contract or transaction.

Section 5 - Operational Roles & Committees

5.01 Leadership in Operations Leadership roles of each Clan or Doodem is based upon traditional Anishinabek clan strengths outlined in section 2.02 of The Land Trust Bylaws. In terms of The Land Trust operations, each Doodem or Clan is responsible for different aspects of the Anishinabek Land Trust to ensure full functionality and sustainability. Each title below represents a committee and the leadership clan

or clans associated with said committee. As The Land Trust progresses more relevant committees may be added.

External Liaison and Land Negotiations: Heron

The Outside Chief is responsible for representing the clans when negotiating with people from other communities and external relations.This will include people outside the community, such as non-Anishinabek donors and sponsors. Heron Clan will also be responsible for building relationships between the Clans and outside community members to obtain lands and create sustainability plans. In this sense the Heron Clan is responsible for protecting The Land Trust against any external threats. The Heron Clan will act as a liaison officer to communicate and coordinate their activities with the public and outside

communities while representing the interests as discussed by all clan members and chiefs.

Internal Liaison and Dispute Settlement, Conflict Resolution (among clans): Loon

The Loon Clan is known as the Inside Chief and they will be responsible for representing the interests of all clan members to solve internal conflicts. This includes, but is not limited, disputes or conflicts between Chiefs, Clan members, and Council members. Section 5.02 will outline conflict resolution as it pertains to traditional Anishinabek governance systems and values. The Loon Clan will act as a liaison officer to communicate and coordinate between the Clans.

Healing Ceremonies: Bear, Deer

Due to deer clans sociability, they will be responsible for looking after social aspects of the community including ceremonies and celebrations. For Healing Ceremonies, Bear and Deer Clan will work in partnership with one another, due to Bear Clans knowledge and expertise of medicine and

healing. Traditional healing ceremonies are sacred and will be fully supported within The Land Trust. Non-anishinaabek may participate by invitation only.

Medicine Management: Bear

The Bear Clan is knowledgeable about the plants of the forest, making them responsible for healing and protecting their people. The Bear Clan is responsible for medicine management because

they know the healing ways of plants available to them. The lands acquired through The Land Trust can be surveyed and utilized by Bear Clan for medicinal properties. Clan members may also approach Bear Clan for advise on the medicinal properties and healing uses of plants within The Land Trust.

Land Stewardship: Bear, Marten

Bear and Marten Clan will work together to create and pursue Land Stewardship plans. Members of the Marten clan are agile and limber, carrying characteristics, making them suitable builders

and strategists. Operational goals for Marten Clan may include the building of traditional structures and the logistical organization of community gatherings. Whereas, members of the Bear Clan carry with them knowledge of the land and her healing properties, making them knowledgeable about land uses and needs.

Social Outreach: Deer

The Deer or Hoof Clan were known for their kindness, gentle and soft spoken nature like the animals they represent. The Hoof Clan will be responsible for looking after the social aspects of within The Land Trust including ceremonies and celebrations. Depending on the celebration or social gathering, the Social Outreach committee may include the incorporation of other clans and/or the public.

Fundraising and Public Outreach: Bird

The bird can fly high and deliver messages, as they are closest to the Creator and part of the skyworld. These characteristics make Bird Clan suitable for Public Outreach informing and delivering messages about The Land Trust to members of the outside community interested in conservation and Anishinabek values. The Bird Clan are the keepers of knowledge and responsible for spreading the seed of knowledge, making them traditionally teachers. The Bird Clan may

travel and participate in outreach events outside of The Land Trust to acquire support and donations from outsiders. As such the ‘External Liaison' committee may also be included in these efforts.

Strategic Planning: Marten, Fish

The Marten Clan are known as strategists, whereas the Fish clan are known as advisors for they hold intelligence and have knowledge of the sun, stars and moon. The Marten and Fish clan will

therefore make up the strategic planning committee responsible for The Land Trust Strategic Plan and advisory to Land Stewardship practices. A ‘Anishinaabek Land Trust Strategic Plan’ will be published every 5 years setting out the goals, values and missions of The Land Trust.

Conservation Priority Planning: Marten

As strategists, the Marten Clan is also responsible for conservation priority planning, meaning that Marten Clan will determine where efforts will be concentrated in terms of land stewardship and conservation within The Land Trust. This committee may pilot different projects and efforts directed at these priorities.

Advisory Committee & Administration: Fish

The Fish clan will be responsible for acting as advisors to the Heron and Loon clan, and will participate in Chief meetings.

Financial Committee and Treasurer: Fish

The functionality of The Land Trust will also be largely dependent on donations and sponsorships from outside community members. The fish clan will manage both financial and land donations, due to their observant and intelligent nature. This will also include the administration and book-keeping responsibilities of this role.

Elders Committee: All Clans

The term Elder refers to someone who has attained a high degree of understanding of history, traditional teachings, ceremonies, and healing practices. Elders have earned the right to pass this knowledge on to others and to give advice and guidance on personal issues, as well as on issues affecting their communities and nations. The Land Trust will value their Elders, and address them with the utmost respect.Whenever traditional feasts are held, the Elders and older people will often be asked to offer prayers to bless the events or to do the opening or closing ceremonies. They will also be served first and never have to wait in line or are left standing if chairs are unavailable. The Land Trust notes that the term Elder does not equate or indicate age, but instead, represents wisdom and knowledge that an Anishnaabek may hold. The Elders committee will include knowledge keepers from all or any Clan or Doodem. They will act as advisors to The Land Trust community, and be treated with the utmost respect from all Clans members and those associated with The Land Trust.

5.02 Conflict Resolution

When there is conflict within The Land Trust community, Elders and Council will be responsible for healthy resolution. Dealing with conflict in a healthy way, will often be achieved through sharing circles, mediation cercles, and ceremonies. Peaceful intervention strategies will be employed to solve conflicts and issues between community members and outside communities. Conflict resolution will always involve all parties involved, adhering to the 7 grandfather teachings and ensuring everyone is heard and given an equal footing within the circle of sharing and healing. It is important to note that traditional Anishinaabek governance systems are less likely to experience conflict due to the peaceful nature of the systems in place.

Section 6 - Financial

6.01 Banking & Bank Accounts

The Council shall by resolution from time to time designate the bank in which the money, bonds or other securities of the Corporation shall be placed for safekeeping. Bank accounts may be kept in the name of the Company with any chartered bank or trust company in Canada or elsewhere, and all bills of exchange, cheques, promissory notes and hypothecations shall be made, drawn, signed, accepted, en- dorsed or executed by such officers or other persons as may be designated by resolution of the Council.

6.02 Financial Year

The financial year of the Corporation ends on March 31 in each year or on such other date as the Council may from time to time by resolution determine.

Questions:

How many clan members are required per clan if there is a requirement?

What if we don’t have members of a clan join the land trust?

How are chiefs elected?

Capitalizations? Clan, Doodem, Council, Chief, Anishinaabek

Are there variations of each clan? Traditionally clans were chosen by the animals in the area, will this hold for animals found within the Land Trust

Auditor?