Memorandum of Understanding

Leora Berman (COO, The Land Between Charity) and Gary Williams (Council Member, The Land Between, and former Chief and Councillor of Curve Lake First Nation) developed the concept of a land trust grounded in traditional governance. This vision was supported by The Land Between Council as a meaningful act of reconciliation.

The Land Between Charity has played an incubation and support role in the development of the Anishinaabek Land Trust. This support is intended to be temporary, providing administrative, organizational, and strategic capacity while the Land Trust is being established.

To ensure the Land Trust develops independently, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is in place between the two entities. This agreement outlines that, once the Anishinaabek Land Trust reaches a level of capacity and self-sufficiency, the relationship between the organizations will formally dissolve.

At that point, the Land Trust will operate as a fully independent entity, free from external influence or control.

The direction and decision-making of the Anishinaabek Land Trust will be guided by its own council, using a talking circle approach grounded in traditional governance. This council will represent the Land Trust in all matters and agreements.

The MOU was established to ensure that support from The Land Between is provided in good faith and without self-interest, and that the Land Trust is able to stand on its own once ready.