AUNDECK OMNI KANING—Two candidates for chief have accepted their nominations for chief of Aundeck Omni Kaning (AOK) First Nation and 25 candidates are running for one of seven seats at the council table. The nomination meeting was held on August 13. Running for chief are incumbent Patsy Corbiere and retired UCCM Police officer Maxwell Abotossaway.
As of press time Monday, running for council listed in order of the list posted on the AOK website are: Scott Madahbee, Eric (Zeke) Corbiere, Michael L. Abotossaway, Craig Abotossaway, Lois Nahwehgabow, Marvin Assinewai, Christine Esquimaux, Hunter Abotossaway, Frank Corbiere, Janet Esquimaux, Bryan Corbiere, Courtney Kurek, Ingrid Madahbee, Donald James (McGraw) Trudeau, Yvonne Nahwegahbow, Karen (McGraw) Shokan, Elaine Nahwegahbow, Kristen Negannegijig, Robert Howell, Zachary Corbiere, James McComber and Sue Ramsdin. Candidates have until noon on Tuesday, August 22 to withdraw their names from the ballot.
The advance poll for the election will take place Wednesday, August 23 from 9 am to 4:30 pm. The election will take place Saturday, August 26 from 9 am to 6 pm. Ballots will be counted immediately following the closing of the polls. A list of eligible electors is posted at the AOK band office. Electoral officer for the election is Cynthia Behm.
Max Abotossaway
I will be accountable to the membership and conduct business in an open and transparent manner.
I will be meeting regularly with the membership though establishing an open-door policy, ensuring hours are set aside for that purpose.
I will also attend and make all effort to be present at events and activities where the general public gather. (e.g., regular meals at the elder’s center and gatherings at youth center.)
I will ensure to report to the Council at scheduled meeting on all of the activities that the Chief was required to be involved within.
I will promote the attendance of the public at regular council meetings.
I will ensure to regularly report to membership on all activities of Chief and Council lawfully permitted.
I will act as spokesperson for council when dealing with the government of Canada, provincial governments and other organizations.
I will convey council’s intentions and when questionable responses, will be differed to a future meeting after the council is consulted.
I will act as ex-officio of committees of council and return all information promptly and accurately.
I will be the lead negotiator for council on new initiatives of the federal and provincial governments.
I will provide direction and leadership to council based on strictly adhering to the community’s short term and long-term plans.
I will honour all motions, band council resolutions, policies and procedures passed at duly convened council meetings.
I will work with all department managers in administration to ensure staff are in compliance with our employee policy and procedures.
I will act as a representative at special functions.
I will be responsible for assigning responsibilities to council member(s) as required.
I will ensure the protection of our Treaty rights and engage the community if required.
I will provide council an additional training to ensure they have an understanding of their fiduciary and legal obligations.
I will initiate a detailed and comprehensive community planning session involving the whole community.
I will ensure our council’s competencies and accountability by providing this training from an accredited organization (e.g., Certified Indigenous Leadership Course by AFOA).
Patsy Corbiere, incumbent
Patsy Corbiere has a wealth of leadership experience under her belt as the incumbent in this election and she believes that experience will be crucial to tackling the challenges facing the community in the years ahead. First and foremost, among the things she has learned along the way is that decisions have to be grounded in the will of the community.
The elephant in the room in this election is the settlement monies for the Robinson Huron Treaty or the Manitoulin Project. “To be clear, promises cannot be made by any one candidate,” said Ms. Corbiere. “The decision will be, and must be, made collectively with registered band members of AOK.”
“We need to finalize the taxation issue with the 1990 Manitoulin Island Land Claim Settlement and revert the lands purchased to band status land,” she said, noting that is critical to “promote growth and opportunity for housing, infrastructure, and most importantly, economic development and job creation.”
Putting the reserve on a sustainable path, economically and socially, will help AOK be safe and provide healthy choices for success for the community’s youth. “We can build all the infrastructure,” she said, “but we first need to build a healthy community and promote wellness.”
Projects that have been delayed by the strictures of the pandemic, such as creating assisted living accommodations where elders can feel safe is high on the priority list. Ms. Corbiere said that she is hopeful that project can now move forward.
There are a host of projects that are in process and others entering the planning stage that will assist in “enhancing our culture and language initiatives.”
When it comes to healthy diversions for the youth in the community, Ms. Corbiere cites grant funding for a splash pad that has been submitted and is now waiting approval. The community has constructed a new quonset hut for storage, commenced public works model and hiring, installed three new playground units (with increased recreational items to follow with consultation with youth and children), and on the horizon are park/beach improvements such as electrical and water upgrades and shower house renovation improvements.
Further, she said that it is important to “encourage our youth and adult learners to attend post-secondary studies.” Not only will that prepare them for a healthy and prosperous future personally, but the knowledge and skills they will develop will help to ensure the well-being of the community for generations to come—that includes investment in trades training.
Ms. Corbiere said that she will continue to engage with both off- and on-reserve members to address their needs.
Sustainability is a key factor when it comes to ensuring the economic health of the community, noted Ms. Corbiere, and she vows to continue to develop economic development opportunities that are sustainable. But that does not mean ignoring what is already there. “We need to always be on the lookout for ways we can find efficiencies in our current structures,” she said. “As well as completing our capital study.” Among the opportunities available that also tackle the issue of global climate change are investment partnerships with, for example, renewable energy projects.
Where experience really comes into play, is in navigating the political labyrinth at all political levels such as the Assembly of First Nations, Chiefs of Ontario and Anishinabek Nation to ensure AOK’s interests are protected and enhanced. “Leadership is not an easy job, although it might look that way from the outside looking in,” she notes. “It is important to have some experience at the table before you take on the job of community leadership. You need to be able to look past today to find the best path forward for all generations, but in choosing that path, you have to listen to the will of the band members.”
