SUDBURY—Linda Debassige of M’Chigeeng First Nation has become the first-ever Anisinaabekwe Grand Council Chief for the Anishinabek Nation.
Candidates participated in the stand-up election June 5, with the vote results being 28-9 in favour of Ms. Debassige. She will serve as the grand council chief for the 2024-2027 term.
“I look forward to following in the footsteps of all the great leaders who have served the Anishinabek Nation before me, and letting the experience of our ancestors continue to guide me in my work every day,” Grand Council Chief Debassige said in a release. “It’s time for us to rise up and rise together. I look forward to rising up with Anishinabek Nation leadership and E’Dbendaagzijig. I am incredibly grateful and humbled to be here today.”
Linda Debassige served on M’Chigeeng band council in 2013 and was chief of the First Nation from 2015-2023. She previously served as Political Advisor to former Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee. She has also served as a First Nation trustee on the Rainbow District School Board and is currently serving as vice-chair.
After the election, Assembly of First Nation Chief Cindy Woodhouse congratulated Grand Council Chief Debassige. “Her advocacy efforts, particularly in advancing priorities such as the right to safe drinking water, have been critically important to our nation. I look forward to her continuing leadership within the Anishinabek Nation.”
Prior to the grand council chief election, a vote was held for deputy grand council chief. Candidates for this position included Chris Plain and Melvin Hardy, with the newly elected Deputy Grand Council Chief being Chris Plain after a 21-16 stand-up election. In the previous term, there were four regional deputy grand council chiefs; however, in this election and moving forward, there will be one deputy grand council chief.
Chris Plain is the current Aamjiwnaang First Nation Chief and also held the interim Southwest Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief position at the Anishinabek Nation.
“I’m grateful to the community of Aamjiwnaang First Nation for allowing me to stand for this position and I look forward to serving the Anishinabek Nation with the new grand council chief to the best of our abilities for all the nations,” stated Deputy Grand Council Chief Plain.
The primary duty of the grand council chief and deputy grand council chief is to serve the collective will and protect the rights and interests of the Anishinabek Nation and E’Dbendaagzigig.
The grand council chief and deputy grand council chief will be supported by the four regional chiefs, including Chief Joe Miskokomon, southwest region, Marsha Smoke, southeast region, Mel Hardy, northern superior, Chief Scott McLeod, Lake Huron.
