Aamjiwnaang Opts Out of Indian Act Elections

Summary#

The Order Amending the Indian Bands Council Elections Order (Aamjiwnaang) removes the Aamjiwnaang First Nation from the federal election rules under the Indian Act so the community can use its own election code. The order was registered on May 28, 2026 and sets the first election under the new code for October 16, 2026.

What it does#

• Repeals a specific entry in the Indian Bands Council Elections Order so that the federal election provisions no longer apply to Aamjiwnaang.
• Allows future elections for chief and councillors to be run under the community’s own code, the Aamjiwnaang Inaakonigewin - Dawaabmang’waa Niigaanzijig.
• Fixes the date of the first election under the community code as October 16, 2026.
• Implements the change after a council resolution adopted on March 23, 2026, and following a community ratification vote held on January 23, 2026 (out of 128 ballots cast: 100 in favour, 26 opposed, 2 rejected).

Who's affected#

• Members, voters, candidates and leadership of Aamjiwnaang — they will use the community code instead of federal election rules.
• Indigenous Services Canada — the department will no longer run, oversee, or decide appeals for Aamjiwnaang elections; its role is limited to recording results.
• Courts or other dispute-resolution bodies may become involved if election disputes cannot be resolved under the community code.

Why it matters#

• The change gives Aamjiwnaang more control over how it chooses leaders, which supporters say can strengthen local governance and cultural practices.
• The community now has sole responsibility for running elections and resolving disputes under its code; the federal government steps back from election oversight.
• The federal documents say custom community codes can make voting more accessible and help restore traditional practices and broader participation (for example by women, youth and elders), though actual outcomes will depend on how the Aamjiwnaang code is used in practice.