Creating an Algonquin Nation

Algonquin Constitution

A committee of the Algonquins is working to develop a draft Constitution for the Algonquins of Ontario to consider.   The Constitution will, following consultations and its formal adoption by the Algonquins of Ontario, describe the essential values which animate the Algonquins of Ontario and the structure on its institutions of government. It will describe, in particular, the roles of Algonquin government institutions at the level of the Algonquin Nation, and at the level of individual communities of Algonquins. The proposed Algonquin Constitution is a document internal to the Algonquins of Ontario, and the approval of the governments of Ontario and Canada will not be required.

Beneficiary Criteria

With input from Ontario and Canada, the Algonquins of Ontario are working to develop criteria to define who will be eligible as a beneficiary under the Algonquin Treaty once it is negotiated and put into effect following a ratification process. These criteria must reflect not only the right of self-determination of the Algonquins of Ontario, but they must be consistent with legal criteria developed by the courts in relation to aboriginal rights and title. These criteria will form part of the Algonquin Treaty itself, and therefore it is essential that the governments of Ontario and Canada be in agreement with them.