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Chief and twelve Councillors provide leadership to the First Nation and oversee the work of the organization through the Director of Operations.

Chief Paul Eshkakogan – Sagamok Anishnawbek

I was elected as Chief of the Sagamok Anishnawbek in October of 2005. Sagamok is located along the north shore of Lake Huron and is home to an on-reserve population of approximately 1400 Ojibway. Sagamok is one of a few first nation communities in Ontario that has greater than 50 % of the registered population living on-reserve.

I had previously served as a member of council for eight years and also served as an employee with the Sagamok Anishnawbek for approximately ten years. I also worked for North Shore Tribal Council, Union of Ontario Indians and Chiefs of Ontario. Through this work, I gained valuable experience in self-government negotiations, developing business relationships, community economic development and land claims.

My wife is Vera of twenty years and we have four children (two grown-ups) Morgan 22 years old and Brittany 19 years of age, Desirae is 8 years of age and Emma is 4 years old.  I enjoy being out on the land hunting and fishing, when time permits. The connection to our land is very important.

It is a great honor to be the Chief and a responsibility that I take very seriously. It is very enjoyable and fulfilling to be able to help our people. And I welcome the challenges that come with the job of being the Giimaa.

I hope all citizens of the Sagamok Anishnawbek and visitors enjoy the website and find the information useful and informative.

Chi-Miigwetch
   
 

The Sagamok Anishnawbek Chief and Council believes in the importance of being accountable, transparent, and responsible to its membership and as such has established guidelines that regulate there functions. Chief and Council have established policies to ensure that an accessible and transparent process is available through which community members can raise concerns, and be responded to in a timely manner. 

To help ensure that Sagamok Anishnawbek achieves its political goals and objectives. Tools are  used to measure Chief and Council’s success as they strive to operate in a professional and accountable manner. As the overall leaders of the Sagamok Anishnawbek, the Chief and Council have complex functions that require critical thinking and knowledge of public administration and governance.  

 
 
From the Chief’s Desk:      
 

August 2011

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer and all the beautiful weather. Congratulations to our elementary, secondary and post-secondary graduates for a successful year, I wish you all best in the future. Since our last update there have been many developments both on-reserve and off.
They say that things slow down for the summer when it seems to be completely the opposite. The Council and staff have been very busy working on a number of projects and initiatives. The planning for the new community hall is well underway, now that the design completed. The site selection process is in progress and council will have three options available. The first site is located near the old St. Raphael’s Church. The second site is located at the intersection of Sagamok Road and New Subdivision Road. The third site is located west of the Daycare Centre. Engineers are reviewing all sites, undertaking soils testing and estimates on how much it cost to develop each site. The site development costs are needed to arrive at an overall cost to construct the building. The only concern that I have is that winter is approaching. Yes winter is coming and we may need to consider additional costs, if we begin construction this fall. The staff and engineers are working quickly to complete the necessary work.
On August 11th a meeting occurred with Vale to attempt to finalize the Totten Mine Impacts and Benefits Agreement (IBA). There were two main issues that remain unresolved. These issues were considered as deal breakers by our Negotiating Team. I am happy to report that we seem to have resolved the main issues. We should receive the final draft of the IBA in the next two to four weeks. I will be discussing the agreement at the upcoming Sagamok Development Corporation Meeting on August 31st.
The Council has committed financial resources to upgrade the ball fields and playgrounds. Fencing has been replaced at the Community Centre and Field of Dreams ball fields. In order to make room for new school yard equipment, Biidaban’s former playground has been moved across from the Blue Hall. More projects are being considered such as the Veteran’s Memorial Park and further renovations of the Fort Lacloche buildings.
The National Panel on Elementary and Secondary Education will be making a visit to Sagamok on September 12th. The National Panel is going across the country to gather information from First Nations on elementary and secondary education. The panel is comprised of experts that will talk to First Nations leaders, elders, students and teachers about education. More information will be forthcoming.
Planning for the Fall Harvest Gathering is well underway. I want to thank the staff for providing leadership in planning this important event. The event will take place from September 26th to October 2nd.  A new campsite has been developed near Russian Lake. I am encouraging children to attend the gathering with parents, grandparents or guardians.
The Sagamok Anishnawbek Annual General Assembly is scheduled to take place on September 21st at the Ednakmigak Centre. The AGA will start at 6:00 pm. This will be an opportunity for community members to hear about the status of programs, units and audit presentation. Come out and participate, see you at the Annual General Assembly.

Baamaapii

 

  
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