Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe

Grand Council Chief (GCC) Reg Niganobe was elected in June of 2021 to the Leadership Council Executive of Anishinabek Nation. He sits on various Boards and Committees, regularly attends Chiefs of Ontario and Assembly of First Nation Leadership meetings, and is an occasional proxy for Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare, who previously held the Grand Council Chief seat for Anishinabek Nation.

At Anishinabek Nation, GCC Niganobe currently holds the following portfolio:

• Ajijaak/Zhaake Dodem – Crane Clan – Anishinabek Nation Government & Communications

GCC Niganobe is the main spokesperson for Anishinabek Nation which requires him to be connected and informed about issues affecting the Anishinabek Nation’s First Nations, as well as provincially and nationally.

Prior to his election at Anishinabek Nation, GCC Niganobe served as the elected Chief of Mississauga #8 First Nation from 2011 to 2021. During his tenure as Chief, GCC Niganobe led the implementation of many new policies and laws. He was also the youngest Chief elected to the position in Mississauga’s history.

GCC Niganobe attended St. Lawrence College/FNTI and obtained a Diploma in Social Work and was honoured to be presented with a Premier’s Award for acknowledging outstanding college graduates. He is currently finishing his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration and Governance from X University (formerly known as Ryerson University) and sits on the Dean’s List for academic proficiency. Previous work experience includes Traditional Student Mentor at W.C. Eaket Secondary School.

Responsible harvesting, exercising treaty and inherent rights, and treaty relations are among GCC Niganobe’s areas of expertise and interest. He takes a keen interest in engaging youth in activities on the land, and regularly and frequently attends speaking engagements to talk about various Indigenous issues, especially those relative to the Anishinabek Nation’s First Nation communities.

GCC Niganobe is the proud father of two children and spends time teaching them about their culture, language, land-based teachings and activities, and traditional governance.

GCC Niganobe’s Dodem (Clan) is Naame (Sturgeon) and his name “Kaawingai” means “One Who is Searching” in Anishinaabemowin.