Page 57 - Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation

Self-Government

Presently, our community is governed by the
Indian Act and bylaws enacted by the Chief
and Council. This is a less than ideal situation
for us, as it removes most of the control
from the people in the First Nation territory
and allows Crown–Indigenous Relations and
Northern Affairs Canada to have the final
decision on many things affecting our day-to-
day lives.

We worked hard along with the other seven
First Nations that comprise the United
Anishinaabeg Council (UAC) to negotiate a
self-government agreement with the Canadian
Government. We are the Alderville First Nation,
Beausoleil First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation,
Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation,
Hiawatha First Nation, Moose Deer Point First
Nation, Chippewas of Rama First Nation, and
Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

Our community did not ratify the self-
government agreement. We have, however,
ratified important agreements that move us
Photo by Kim Muskratt
away from the Indian Act.

Our community takes great care to consult
with and inform our members about any
changes we make to how we are governed
or to how we handle our resources. As we
move forward and make changes to meet
our future, we continue to trust the voice of
our membership.
WORDS TO KNOW

negotiate: discuss to settle something
ratify: approve formally

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