Established in 1973—and known as Grand Council Treaty No. 9 until 1983— Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) is a political territorial organization that represents 49 First Nation communities within northern Ontario. It represents the legitimate, socioeconomic, and political aspirations of its First Nation members of Northern Ontario to all levels of government in order to allow for local self-determination while establishing spiritual, cultural, social, and economic independence More on NAN’s history here: Who We Are – Nishnawbe Aski Nation

Through research, collaboration, coordination, planning, and culturally appropriate engagement, NAN Justice Research and Policy Department will support NAN communities, both on and off-reserve, to implement justice jurisdiction and a community-based, culturally appropriate First Nation justice system that addresses the unique needs of NAN First Nations, while respecting their diversity and autonomy. As well, the Department will support NAN First Nations to implement UNDRIP, TRC Calls to Action, the MMIWG recommendations, as well as recommendations from other relevant inquests and studies in order to support our First Nations to build and participate in a fair, equitable, wholistic and adequately funded justice system under their own control.

NAN Justice Research and Policy Department envisions: Healthy, vibrant First Nations, across all of Nishnawbe Aski territory, exercising their full, sovereign self- determination in all areas.

NAN Justice Research and Policy Department values:

• Community-led, community-based
• Equitable, fair
• Collaboration, partnerships, and coordination
• Anti-racism
• Research and planning
• Respecting diversity and autonomy of our communities
• Addressing NAN’s unique needs
• Engaging our communities
• Listening to our communities
• Wrap around support