PUBLIC NOTICE: MISCOZIKWE

For Immediate Release: O’Jiibwaay Grand Council of North America

Regarding Leadership Authority, Contracted Service, and Public Conduct

The O’Jiibwaay Grand Council of North America issues this public notice to clarify matters of leadership authority, contractual service, and adherence to Indigenous law and professional conduct, for the protection of the people, the Chief, and the integrity of O’Jiibwaay governance.

Gichi Ogimaa Midegah Ogichidaa serves as an actual, recognized Chief by hereditary, blood and lineal descent and the Acting Chief of the O’Jiibwaay under the authority of the O’Jiibwaay Grand Council of North America. Under Anishinaabe and Saulteaux governance traditions, a Chief carries responsibility for leadership, representation, protection of sacred records, and maintenance of internal order. Authority is exercised through council, accountability, and service to the people, not through public performance or external validation.

Following the passing of Gichi Ogimaakwe Patricia Rose Brunelle in January 2020, the Council approved the paid contractual engagement of MISCOZIKWE to assist in specific cultural and support functions associated with the role of grandmother during a period of transition and loss. This engagement was professional and contractual in nature. It did not confer bloodline status, hereditary rights, membership, or leadership authority within the tribe.

During the term of her engagement, MISCOZIKWE worked in support of Gichi Ogimaa Midegah Ogichidaa. Through this position, she participated in extensive travel and cultural engagements that occurred with Council knowledge and at significant financial expense. These included introductions to Indigenous leaders and spiritual authorities across North America and internationally, including meetings with senior Indigenous leadership in Mesoamerica, and introductions facilitated through the Chief to leaders of other religious and spiritual institutions. These opportunities arose solely as a result of her appointed position under the authority of the Chief and would not have occurred absent that appointment.

In 2025, following internal review, the O’Jiibwaay Grand Council became aware Gichi-Ogimaa Midegah Ogichidaa formally released MISCOZIKWE from her contracted role. Under Indigenous governance, the authority to appoint includes the authority to release. Upon release, MISCOZIKWE no longer held authorization to represent the O’Jiibwaay, speak on behalf of the Council, or act within its governance or ceremonial structure.

Subsequent to her release, MISCOZIKWE has engaged in public conduct concerning the Chief and the O’Jiibwaay that the Council finds inconsistent with Indigenous law, professional ethics, and standards of conduct expected of former contracted representatives. This conduct has included appearing on a public broadcast or show to discuss internal matters of O’Jiibwaay leadership and governance, and making public statements disparaging the Chief and questioning the legitimacy of sacred O’Jiibwaay records.

Under Anishinaabe and Saulteaux law, disputes, concerns, or grievances are governed by relational law and internal resolution processes, which require that matters involving leadership, sacred records, or governance be addressed through council, elders, or designated internal mechanisms. Public denunciation of a recognized Chief by a former contracted aide particularly after receiving compensation, travel, and access through that role is widely recognized across Indigenous nations as unprofessional conduct and a breach of trust. Such actions cause harm not only to leadership, but to the people as a whole.

Indigenous law further recognizes that sacred records are protected knowledge stewarded by designated keepers. Public disparagement of such records by individuals who no longer hold custodial authority violates principles of respect, restraint, and responsibility to the community.

Accordingly, the O’Jiibwaay Grand Council of North America affirms publicly that Ms. Cardinal does not speak for the Council, its Chiefs, its Elders, or its record keepers. Her public statements do not represent the position, findings, or beliefs of the O’Jiibwaay. The Council further affirms that Gichi Ogimaa Midegah Ogichidaa remains the recognized Chief and Acting Chief of the O’Jiibwaay, vested with authority under Indigenous law to protect leadership integrity, sacred knowledge, and lawful governance.

This notice is issued as a statement of fact, clarification, and boundary, consistent with Indigenous law, professional ethics, and the responsibility of leadership to protect the people and their sacred records.

26.02A: A Resolution Affirming Chiefly Authority, Recording Contracted Service and Release, and Establishing Boundaries Regarding Representation and Public Conduct

WHEREAS, the O’Jiibwaay Grand Council of North America is the governing body responsible for the recognition of leadership authority, the protection of sacred records, and the maintenance of lawful order under Indigenous law; and

WHEREAS, Gichi Ogimaa Midegah Ogichidaa is an actual, recognized Chief and the Acting Chief of the O’Jiibwaay, vested with authority and responsibility under Anishinaabe and Saulteaux governance traditions to lead, represent, and safeguard the people and their sacred knowledge; and

WHEREAS, following the passing of Gichi Ogimaakwe Patricia Rose Brunelle in January 2020, the Council approved the paid contractual engagement of MISCOZIKWE to assist in specific cultural and support functions during a period of transition, which appointment was professional, compensated, and limited in scope, and did not confer bloodline status, hereditary rights, membership, or leadership authority; and

WHEREAS, during the period of her contracted engagement, MISCOZIKWE participated in travel and cultural engagements undertaken with Council knowledge and at significant financial expense, including introductions to Indigenous leaders and spiritual authorities across North America and internationally, all of which occurred solely by virtue of her appointed position under the authority of the Chief; and

WHEREAS, in 2025, following internal review, the O’Jiibwaay Grand Council formally released MISCOZIKWE from her contracted role, thereby terminating any authorization to represent the O’Jiibwaay, speak on behalf of the Council, or act within its governance or ceremonial structure; and

WHEREAS, subsequent to her release, MISCOZIKWE engaged in public conduct, including appearances on public broadcasts and the making of public statements concerning the Chief, O’Jiibwaay governance, and the legitimacy of sacred O’Jiibwaay records, without authorization and outside established internal processes; and

WHEREAS, under Indigenous law and widely recognized Anishinaabe and Saulteaux governance principles, disputes and grievances are to be addressed through internal council and elder processes, and public disparagement of a recognized Chief or sacred records by a former contracted representative constitutes a breach of trust and professional conduct;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the O’Jiibwaay Grand Council of North America hereby reaffirms that Gichi Ogimaa Midegah Ogichidaa is the recognized Chief and Acting Chief of the O’Jiibwaay, exercising lawful authority and responsibility under Indigenous law; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council records and affirms that MISCOZIKWE holds no position, authority, or mandate to represent the O’Jiibwaay Grand Council, its Chiefs, Elders, or record keepers, and does not speak on its behalf; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council formally disavows any public statements made by MISCOZIKWE regarding O’Jiibwaay leadership, governance, or sacred records as unauthorized and not reflective of the Council’s position; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council establishes and affirms boundaries regarding representation, stating that any public claims, appearances, or statements made by former contracted representatives do not carry legitimacy, authority, or recognition under O’Jiibwaay law; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this Resolution shall be entered into the official records of the O’Jiibwaay Grand Council of North America and may be referenced publicly for the purpose of establishing clarity of authority and governance.

ADOPTED THIS 1st DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2026

Seal:

O’Jiibwaay Grand Council of North America