b'members. The community recently changed its name fromshare with our people, and they have the same responsibilities OchiichagweBabigoIning Ojibway Nation to Niisaachewanas Chief and Council. We have a better way of communicating Anishinaabe Nation. We just went back to the originalwith our people, and we have them in a position where were name, what people used to call the community way back,making true decisions together.explains Cobiness.In addition to her duties as Chief of Niisaachewan, Cobiness Before entering politics, Cobiness studied Early Child- is the Environmental Chair for Grand Council Treaty 3,hood Education at Confederation College in Kenora, but sheand is President of Miisun, a First Nations owned and operated had doubts about her choice. I did my first year, and it wasresource management company. She is also President of the difficult. I was like, Dad, I dont think this is what I want toKenora Chiefs Advisory, an organization that providesdo. And my dad was like, You know what, you dont starthealth and social services to member First Nations, something and not finish it. You made a commitment, you stickincluding Niisaachewan.it out, even though you know its not something you want, she says. The pep talk worked: Cobiness received her diploma, and went on to study the Native Child and Family Worker program, before working as the Health Director in Niisaachewan. I did seven years in health in my community, and realized, okay, I think Im ready for the political piece, says Cobiness. Cobiness has been Chief in Niisaachewan for more than a decade, following a two-year term as a councillor. She says her interest in politics was sparked when she was around 10 years old. The adults always had their general band meetings, and IHelping navigatewould sit on the stairs and watch what they were talking about.First Nations Communities My uncle was chief here; people I knew were involved. It justunique travel needspiqued my interest when they all got together, says Cobiness. I had no idea what they were talking about, but I just know that this is what I wanted to be involved in.Niisaachewan has two political systems: a custom electoralWhen it comes to your travel, its important to work system, where a vote is held to elect one chief and four council- with the experts who know what you need. lors for a two-year term; and a traditional governance structure,Michael Beaucage is based in Ottawa but has the Anishinaabe customary Council, otherwise known as ourworked with numerous First Nations communities head people, says Cobiness.and organizations from coast to coast. Speak to The community has 11 major families, each of whomMichael directly to discuss how we can save you appoints a head person to share in the decision-making process.time and money. We sit around the table once a month. We receive reports from our community, and we make major decisions together, sheMichael Beaucage says. Its not a perfect system, but its a system that we believe613 242 1435in, that really gives the powertrue power, true governance michael.beaucage@corporatetraveller.caback to our people. Cobiness stresses that governance in Niisaachewan is a shared responsibility. Its not something that our Chief and Council shoulders 100 per cent. Its power and authority we ISSUE 1 2019C hIEfS ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazInE l 49'