Since 2018, AWN (with support from AWN community members and AWN’s partners) has been working to create a Citizenship Code that reflects who we are as AWN people—our history, values, and legal traditions. This work is a big part of implementing AWN’s inherent right of self-governance. After years of development and many conversations with the community, a draft of the Citizenship Code was shared in June 2024. Based on the feedback gathered, the Aseniwuche Winewak Citizenship Code (the “Code”) was updated and approved by the Board of Directors. Then, on October 30, 2024, in Grande Cache, AWN Members voted overwhelmingly in favour of its ratification, with 94% approval. The Code took effect on April 1, 2025.
Download a copy of the AWN Citizenship Application Form – Relational Member or AWN Citizenship Application Form – Traditional Member . Complete the application and submit it to the AWN Citizenship Clerk with a copy of the required documents to citizenshipclerk@aseniwuche.com or dropped off at the AWN office.
The Membership Committee and the Enrolment Appeal Board were established according to Part 7 and Part 8 to serve an important role as the sole decision makers regarding citizenship under the Code. The mandate of the Membership Committee is to review applications in accordance with the Code. If approved, the applicant’s name will be entered on the Enrolment Register and they will be entitled to programs, services, and benefits from the Aseniwuche Winewak Nation.
The Membership Committee is also tasked with considering if and when individuals will become ineligible or will be removed from the Enrolment Register, for reasons outlined in Part 5 of the Code, as well as consider applications for compassionate status under Part 6 of the Code.
The Enrolment Appeal Board reviews decisions made by the Membership Committee when an applicant believes the decision was incorrect or not in line with the Code. The Enrolment Appeal Board has the mandate to review the application materials, review the Membership Committee’s reasons, conduct interviews with the affected individual, and approve the Membership Committee’s
decision or reject the decision and provide its own. A decision of the Enrolment Appeal Board is final and conclusive.
AWN’s financial assistance program for medical travel was established to ensure community members are able to access necessary medical appointments and focus on their health and wellbeing rather than financial challenges. The fund is not intended to assist with family emergencies, extraordinary circumstances, or travel beyond the scope of the program.
Download a copy of the medical travel funding application. Complete the application and submit it to the AWN office with a copy of your proof of appointment at least ten (10) days before the scheduled appointment.
Funding is awarded on a first come first serve basis until annual funding is exhausted. Community members may apply more than one time for medical travel financial assistance until the individual annual amount of $500 per year is exhausted. Hotel accommodation and taxi expenses must be pre-approved and will be paid according to submitted receipts. Financial assistance is available for community members who meet the below requirements as per AWN Policy 10.08:
Up to $2500 is available to help families cover the cost of funerals and related expenses after the passing of a community member.
*Payments for funeral expenses will be made directly to the funeral home
Funding is awarded on a first come first serve basis until annual funding is exhausted. Community members may apply more than one time for assistance with funeral expenses. Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate they have exhausted all other means of financial support. Assistance with funeral expenses is available for community members who meet the below requirements as per AWN Policy 10.07:
AWN’s Wood for Warmth program started in 2019. Almost three-quarters of AWN’s membership live in the Co-operatives and Enterprises. Residents rely on a wood stove as a heat source for the home. Winter temperatures in Grande Cache can fall as low as -40° C. Acess and availability of wood is essential for members to stay safe and warm.
During the winter months, AWN arranges truckloads of wood to the communities to help members who are unable to buck and split their own wood such as Elders, members living with disabilities and single-parent households. Wood is made until the annual budget allocated towards the program is exhausted.
The holidays are a wonderful time for many and AWN keeps things busy in December with an Elders Feast, Community Christmas Supper and a visit from Santa for AWN children.
Elders and Community Dinners are an opportunity to spend time together during the holidays. We tell stories, share well wishes and break bread no matter which community we are from. Santa makes an early visit before Christmas to surprise the children with a gift.
AWN’s Christmas gift program is for all members’ children ages 10 and under and is funded by generous contributions from Aseniwuche’s friends and partners in industry. Visit the Events & Announcements page for this year’s holiday programs.
The recipients of the AWN Community Awards are nominated annually by the general membership. There are four awards named in memory of exceptional community members who personified excellence in leadership, volunteerism, cultural preservation, and living a balanced lifestyle.
Nominations are collected in November and shared with the families of the individuals each respective award is named after. The families select who they feel is most deserving of the award each year. Recipients are announced in the New Year and have their name added to plaques displayed in the AWN Elders Room.