Ontario and Anishinabek Nation working together to support Anishinabek children, youth and families
Province and Anishinabek Nation Sign Relationship Agreement
Ontario and the Anishinabek Nation signed an agreement today that will strengthen the relationship through an affirmation of partnership and a shared path forward on child and family services.
Michael Coteau, Minister of Children and Youth Services, and Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief, Patrick Madahbee, made the announcement today in Chippewas of Rama First Nation. The province and the Anishinabek Nation are working together to transform the system of services for Anishinabek children and youth in Ontario to better meet their needs through community-driven, integrated and culturally appropriate supports.
The agreement is an important step in ongoing work to improve outcomes and opportunities for Anishinabek children and youth through the Ontario Indigenous Children and Youth Strategy. The strategy provides a framework for the province and Anishinabek Nation to discuss changes to the system of services for Anishinabek children and youth to better meet their needs.
Helping Anishinabek children and youth reach their full potential is one of many steps on the journey of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. It reflects the government’s commitment to work with Indigenous partners and to creating a better future for everyone in the province.
QUOTES
“We love our children. This partnership will strengthen our responsibility for the care of our children will be so important for our families, our communities, our Nation.”
Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee
“The relationship agreement between Ontario and the Anishinabek Nation signifies the important work we have done together through the Ontario Indigenous Children and Youth Strategy. This agreement also affirms our shared commitment to strengthen our bilateral relationship and continue working to achieve better outcomes and opportunities for Anishinabek children and youth.”
— Michael Coteau, Minister of Children and Youth Services
QUICK FACTS
- The Union of Ontario Indians is a secretariat of the Anishinabek Nation. It is a political advocate for 40 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 65,000 people.
- The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.
- The Ontario Indigenous Children and Youth Strategy is a long-term, generational and whole-of-government framework that seeks to transform the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Ontario government, and improve outcomes for Indigenous children, youth, and families.
LEARN MORE
How the Ministry of Children and Youth Services support Indigenous children and youth