Grassroots feedback from UNDRIP virtual sessions to drive recommended federal legislative changes – Anishinabek News
November 2, 2022
ANISHINABEK NATION TERRITORY— The Anishinabek Nation Legal Department concludes its United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) Act virtual engagement sessions with the final sessions in the series held on October 5 and October 12.
Anishinabek First Nations leaders and citizens were invited to participate in the Maakwa (Bear) Dodem (clan) session exploring themes about UNDRIP and discussing priorities within Policing, Military, and Health.
The session started with an Introduction to UNDRIP and then Bellefeuille Head Law Partners LLP’s Legal Counsel Cathy Bellefeuille led the Maakwa Dodem session. Bellefeuille explained that the Bear Clan is responsible for protecting its people to ensure the safety and security of the gentler clans inside of the community. Maakwa Dodem members are also the medicine people as they know the healing ways of plants available to them. The responsibilities of the Bear Clan involve ensuring the safety of the community, confidentiality, maintaining boundaries, and the Circle Process for resolving issues the Bear Clan is responsible for. The Bear Clan serves as the guardian and protector of the community.
