The Aseniwuche Winewak Citizenship Code

Grounded in our stories. Guided by our people. Affirming our future

Our Path to the Citizenship Code

A Six-Year Journey of Reflection, Dialogue, and Care

Since 2018, Aseniwuche Winewak Nation (AWN) has walked hand in hand with our community members to develop a Citizenship Code that truly reflects who we are — our people, our histories, our legal traditions, and our right to self-government.

Following years of deep reflection and dialogue, on October 30, 2024, AWN members voted overwhelmingly in favor of amending the AWN bylaws to adopt the Aseniwuche Winewak Citizenship Code (the “Code”). These AWN bylaw amendments and the Code officially came into effect on April 1, 2025.

The Code is a declaration of belonging. Together, we are strengthening self-governance, enshrining our values and legal traditions, and fostering pride in who we are as Aseniwuche Winewak.

Why This Matters

Self-Governance with Knowing Who We Are

AWN continues to fight for recognition as a distinct Indigenous community. This Code is a declaration of our self-governing authority, our identity, and our unity. It declares who we are — not just to others, but to ourselves.

The Citizenship Code:

Declares who we are as Aseniwuche Winewak
Is an expression of our inherent right to self-government
Defines criteria for AWN citizenship
Establishes a clear and transparent decision-making process for citizenship in AWN, including the right to appeal

Timeline of the Work

The Story So Far

Key Milestones:

2018–2020: Wahkohtowin-led research, surveys, and cultural gatherings
2021–2023: Urban Matters-led engagement, community open houses, and survey validation
2024: Final community engagement and AWN community ratification vote
April 1, 2025: AWN bylaw amendments and Citizenship Code officially come into effect

View Full Timeline

Where Are We Now?

Citizenship Drive Now Underway

To implement the Code, all members — including long-time and returning members — must apply for citizenship under the Code. Individuals are encouraged to submit their citizenship application as soon as possible.

If you were a member of the registered society Aseniwuche Winewak Nation of Canada, A Fellowship of Aboriginal People prior to April 1, 2025, you are entitled to citizenship — but you must reapply to confirm your citizenship as either a Traditional Member or a Relational Member under the new Code and to be added to the AWN Enrolment Register.

Enrolment ensures you are:

Officially recognized as a citizen of AWN under the new Code
Entitled to receive all the rights and benefits of AWN citizens, including being eligible to vote and run in AWN elections
Able to access AWN programs and services

How To Apply?

Applying is Simple — And We’re Here to Help

What Happens After You Apply

What to expect?

Once you’ve submitted your citizenship application, here’s what you can expect:

Step 1: Review by the Membership Clerk

Your application will be reviewed by the Membership Clerk to confirm the form is complete and the required supporting documents are attached.

If anything is missing, the Membership Clerk will contact you within 20 business days to let you know what’s needed.

If the application is complete, the Membership Clerk will record the “Application Date” and send the application to the Membership Committee for review.

The Membership Committee must provide a decision within 6 months of the Application Date.

Step 2: Review by Membership Committee

Your completed application is reviewed by the Membership Committee — made up of AWN Citizens appointed by the AWN Board of Directors. The Code requires that this Membership Committee includes representation from at least five different AWN Traditional member families and two Elders.

They will assess your application using the criteria in the Citizenship Code
A decision will be made within 6 months of the Application Date

Step 3: Notification of Decision

The Membership Clerk will notify you of the Membership Committee’s decision and provide their written reasons for the decision which explain how the Code was applied and what information was considered.

If your application is approved, your name will be added to the Enrolment Register.

If your application is not approved and you believe the Membership Committee’s decision was incorrect, you can appeal by providing written notice to the AWN Board of Directors within 60 days.

The Right to Appeal

The Enrolment Appeal Board is comprised of AWN Citizens appointed by the Board. The Code requires that the Enrolment Appeal Board include representation from a breadth of AWN Traditional Member families. The Enrolment Appeal Board operates independently from the Membership Committee.

An applicant may appeal a decision by the Membership Committee by providing written notice to the AWN Board of Directors within 60 days of the decision.

A panel of three Enrolment Appeal Board members will review the materials that were before the Membership Committee, review the Membership Committee’s decision, conduct an interview with the applicant, and conduct other interviews if needed.

The Enrolment Appeal Board panel can accept the Membership Committee’s decision or reject it and make its own decision.

All decisions of the Enrolment Appeal Board are final and conclusive.

Support is available at every step.
If you have questions about your application or what happens next, contact the Membership Clerk at citizenshipclerk@aseniwuche.com.

Got Questions? We've Got You Covered

Need Help?

We’re Here for You

For questions or support with your application, you can:

Email citizenshipclerk@aseniwuche.com

We are Aseniwuche winewak
A Film by Aseniwuche Youth

Another important component of this research process was a youth-led film project, where community youth worked with two Indigenous filmmakers, Jodi Stonehouse and AWN community member Chehala Leonard, to create a short film focused on AWN’s unique identity and history. The film debuted at the spring gathering in April 2019.

7 Cree Principles

Supplementary work exploring the foundational values of the community as told by Elders