SHESHEGWANING—There are three candidates in the running for chief and 11 candidates vying for a seat on council in the Sheshegwaning First Nation elections taking place this Saturday, November 18.
The three candidates vying for the position of chief include incumbent chief Alana Endanawas along with Nicole Bush and Dean J. Roy.
The 11 candidates in the running for the four seats on council includes Christopher Endanawas, Caeley McLean Genereux, incumbent Marie Elma McLeod, Deanna Sampson, incumbent Jennifer Sampson, incumbent Nicole Bush, incumbent Gregory Owen Sampson, Nicolas Leon Bush, Angela McLeod, Albert Cada and Ann Cada.
Nicole Bush
An advocate for those without a voice
by Tom Sasvari
SHESHEGWANING—“Running for chief of Sheshegwaning First Nation is a significant decision that should be made carefully,” said Nicole Bush, a candidate for chief in the November 18 band chief and council election. “It is not an easy decision, but one that I have thought about for a long time, hence the delay in my response. I have talked it over with my family, especially my husband Nick and son Nevan who would be most affected should I be elected.”
“As chief, I would represent our community and advocate for their needs and concerns, giving a voice to those who feel they may not have one,” said Ms. Bush. “It is alarming to me how few people are involved in the governance of our community. I am encouraged and supportive of the work by grassroots organizations such as the Land First Youth Initiative, but citizen apathy is something that we should all take very seriously.”
“Our community has the capacity to encourage the development of new leaders. I’ve said this a lot in the past, our community is going to great places; but we all have to ‘row the boat,’ continued Ms. Bush. “As chief, I would like to get out of the office and into our community homes and into community events to make sure that all our citizens have a chance to be engaged in the growth of Sheshegwaning.”
“I love Sheshegwaning,” stated Ms. Bush. “I love the work that I have had the privilege to be involved in and the direction our community is headed. I have a vision for the future of our First Nation and believe, with the help of our citizens and council, that I can provide effective leadership to achieve it.”
“I believe in community development and feel like I can help advocate for projects and initiatives that promote the well-being and growth of our community, including economic development, healthcare, education, and infrastructure,” continued Ms. Bush.
“I strongly believe that chiefs play a vital role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of their First Nation, ensuring traditions are passed down to future generations. As a pipe and hand drum carrier, I will continue to advocate for community cultural events and language classes and encourage the reinforcement of the language lessons our kids get at school. I will be involved, as a volunteer or supporter, in as many of our community events as I can.”
“As a member of band council over many terms, for the past 20 years or so, I am well-versed in the big political issues affecting our community,” said Ms. Bush. “I will be a vocal advocate for the rights and interests of our community at local, regional and national levels.”
“Sheshegwaning is facing huge issues that will affect our community members for generations to come. I will continue the work to address issues such as land rights, treaty negotiations and social justice and keep our citizens informed of these important issues,” said Ms. Bush.
“The office of chief and the duties involved, is not something I take lightly,” said Ms. Bush. “I vow to be a committed and open leader. I have learned a lot from watching the leadership of our chiefs and their councils, and I am continuously learning from the people around me. I truly believe I have gifts to share with the community.”
Alana Endanawas
Dedication to expanding the community footprint
by Tom Sasvari
SHESHEGWANING—“It is with great humility that I have accepted my nomination to serve another term for the next two years,” said Alana Endanawas, incumbent chief of the Sheshegwaning First Nation, who is one of three candidates for chief of Sheshegwaning in the November 18 band chief and council election.
“As the chief of Sheshegwaning First Nation, my portfolio includes lands, resources and environment,” said Ms. Endanawas. “I am proud to have played a role in ratifying the land use plan and implementing new policies such as an environmental management plan, allotment policy, and revised housing policy. Currently, we are working on developing ‘best practice’ guidelines for development, which are being reviewed by the Lands Committee for their advice.”
“I am dedicated to furthering our community footprint by supporting the drafting and implementing an environmental monitoring, assessment, and protection law. I am also passionate about increasing youth involvement in council meetings and discussions, as well as securing new funding for community infrastructure. Additionally, I plan to continue supporting an “elder memories” project to record and document the histories of our elders,” said Ms. Endanawas.
Ms. Endanawas explained, “To address our community’s concerns about our lands and resources, I will continue to support the ongoing work of a Forest Use Plan that will include protecting medicinal plants, addressing species at risk and invasive species issues, preserving places of historical significance, and considering social infrastructure. This plan will also address existing trails, create a fire break corridor and allow for selective harvesting and a forest garden.
“I am also committed to implementing our social infrastructure plan, which includes trails and education components throughout our community.”
“I am proud to support ongoing projects such as the leadership centre, the new school, the Robinson Huron Treaty Settlement, the Manitoulin Project, Health Transformation, Kinoomaadziwin Education Body, B’Maakonigan First Nations Governance, Koganaawsawin Child Youth, and Family Well-Being, the Land First Youth Initiative and economic development.” “In addition, I would like to establish an elders advisory committee to ensure their voices are heard and valued. Maintaining the health and wellness of our community with restoring community togetherness,” continued Ms. Endanawas.
“I understand the importance of building strong relationships with our external partners, and most importantly, I am dedicated to serving the Sheshegwaning band with integrity and compassion,” continued Ms. Endanawas.
“Leading is not about power or making promises at election time,” stated Ms. Endanawas. “It’s about never forgetting who you work for, the band members. It’s about being respectful, humble and heart-centred and always driving yourself to do your best.”
Roy Dean
Openness, transparency must be part of nation building
by Michael Erskine
SHESHEGWANING FN—Roy Dean is no stranger to the council table, having served as chief of Sheshegwaning for three terms during the six years between 2015 and 2021 (as an Indian Act election community, explains Mr. Dean, elections are held every two years in the community).
Mr. Dean said that he felt it was time to return to the council table.
“I worked on a bunch of capital projects that have recently been completed,” he said. “Some of them are entering the first phase of construction.” He cited the complex expansion and that the band successfully lobbied for funding under his watch.
The new school, originally slated for completion in 2023, was pushed back a year, but he said he was determined to ensure that it was completed in a timely fashion going forward.
“I have been gone two years, but I am ready to come back,” he said. “It is exciting to see the things I worked on being built.”
Mr. Dean noted the new and rebuilt roads, such as Cape Roberts and Nimkii’s Trail as a couple of those projects he is very proud to have been a part of making happen.
“The focus now is on governance,” he said. “There are a couple of things I would like to put forward, such as a citizenship law, an election law and a water law.”
Economic development is an important consideration, and Mr. Dean pointed to the stewardship the band has over the waters of Bayfield Sound and Lake Wolsey, especially in regard to aquaculture.
“We have two operations licenced by the band,” he said. “Odawa Island Farms and Meeker’s. Our regulatory framework is working out pretty well.”
Mr. Dean noted that during his time in office, he had to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but he noted the community continues to make progress despite those setbacks.
“There are a couple of opportunities that came out of COVID,” he said, noting the community now has an emergencies act that put in place the protocols needed to keep the community safe. “We did pretty well during the pandemic,” he said. “We only had one case and never had a significant outbreak.”
Mr. Dean noted that when it comes to important decisions for the community, there is a robust set of policies in place. “When law-making is concerned, we have three phases of consultation. My policy is openness and transparency.”
Mr. Dean said that policy only works when it flows from the community and that those processes are vital when it comes to law-making and nation-building.
