• The Anishinabek Nation has always had laws.
• Our original laws are the Seven Sacred Gifts given by the Creator: Love, Truth, Respect, Wisdom, Humility, Honesty and Bravery.
• The Anishinabek Nation continues to make laws for our citizens today.
• The Anishinabek Nation Matrimonial Real Property Law passed in 2007, and the on-going development of the Anishinabek Nation Child Welfare Law and the Anishinbek E’Dbendaagzijig Naaknigewin (citizenship law) are examples of present day laws being established.

WRITTEN LAW-MAKING PROCESS

The Anishinabek Nation’s current process for making written laws generally includes:

• Direction from the Anishinabek Nation Chiefs-in-Assembly by resolution that a law is required and is to be developed;
• Establishment of a committee, such as a Steering Committee, which is responsible for developing the draft law;
• Consulting with Anishinabek citizens on what should be included in the law;
• Drafting the law;
• Presenting and reporting on the draft law;
• Approval of the law by the Anishinabek Chiefs-in-Assembly; and
• Proclaiming the law through ceremony that includes song, dance, feast, and give-aways