Anishinabek Nation
Session 1
HONOURING THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
SESSION MATERIAL
​
Our Journey - The Evolution of the Anishinabek
A Discussion Paper
​
Timeline Graphic: “The Arrow Chart” – Where We’ve Been, Where We Are Going
​
​
​
Geyaabi Waa Ni Zhiwebag - Anishinabek Nation Long Term Strategic Plan
​
PRESENTER BIOGRAPHIES
Patrick Wedaseh Madahbee
Commissioner on Governance
Patrick Wedaseh Madahbee completed his third consecutive term as Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief, having retired from politics in June of 2018. He is now focusing on using his life experiences to share his knowledge with organizations independently, including his recent appointment to the Commissioner on Governance for the Anishinabek Nation.
​
He also served one term as Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief in 1980, making him the youngest Grand Council Chief ever at the age of 27.
Mr. Madahbee’s prior roles on a regional level include Lake Huron Regional Grand Chief, Lake Huron representative on the Anishinabek Nation Leadership Council, Ontario Regional Chief, President of the Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity and the Tribal Chair of the United Chiefs and Council of Mnidoo Mnising.
​
His dedication to the Anishinabek Nation has included active leadership positions such as chairperson for the Robinson-Huron Treaty Claim Legal Strategy Team and the Anishinabek/Ontario Fisheries Resource Centre, respectively. He is a former Vice President of the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto and has held numerous board positions.
​
He was the Health portfolio holder for the Chiefs of Ontario, member of the Assembly of First Nations Chiefs Committee of Health, and Co-chair of the joint Non-Insured Health Benefits review.
​
Patrick Wedaseh Madahbee is an inspiration and a role model to our youth and is committed to improving both the health of our children and their future! He has been an active member of the Little Native Hockey League (LNHL) for 49 years since its inception; Lake Huron Regional Tournament Organizer; involved in many sports as a participant, coach, and also managed hockey and fastball; and former Recreation Director for the Union of Ontario Indians. He has also served as Chair of the Ontario Indian Sports Council and the Chair of the National Indian Sports Council.
​
​
​
Saga Williams
Chiefs Committee on Governance
​
Saga Williams, LL.B. has worked in First Nation communities, government and corporate roles in the capacity of legal counsel, negotiator, governance and strategy advisor for over 20 years.
Saga has been on leadership teams that have successfully negotiated the settlement of a number of specific claims.
She has worked on Indigenous community engagement and negotiations to support national energy projects and mining projects. Saga is Principal of her consulting firms, AS Williams Consulting, and provides advice to communities and the corporate sector. Saga also teaches at Osgoode Hall Law School as an Adjunct Professor and supports student lead negotiations focussing on consultation, Indigenous rights and reconciliation. Saga has also held many non-profit board positions. Saga is Anishinaabe, a member of Curve Lake First Nation, and is currently an elected councillor for her community.