New Anishinabek Child Well-being initiative in need of front-line warriors

By Kelly Anne Smith

NORTH BAY—”After nearly 10 years, Koganaawsawin, the Anishinabek Nation Child Well-Being Law, will soon be in effect.” Adrienne Pelletier’s words as the negotiator of the crucial legal change were directed mostly to social work and social welfare students recently at Nipissing University in a special lecture open to the public.

Pelletier is the Director of Social Services at the Anishinabek Nation and is very excited for the official launch of Koganaawsawin.

“There will be a signed agreement before the writ is dropped on May 4.”

The Anishinabek Nation First Nations will then control the well-being of children and youth.

Pelletier explained that the term Koganaawsawin in Anishinaabemowin is the act of raising up your children by a community.

“No crown wards for First Nation kids! They are well now, give them their children back. They want to touch the land and be in their territory. That’s their right.”

The packed Enji Giigdoyang speaker series lecture had Nipissing University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike DeGagné listening in. DeGagné is currently helping to create Canada’s new National Reconciliation Council.

Being an Indigenous person in Canada is challenging, said Pelletier who is from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory.

“Social workers are needed now. We need front line warriors. You must be loving and kind to our people. In turn, you will be blessed yourself.”

Pelletier cautioned that children should be placed in culturally appropriate homes with both families and First Nations being consulted.

“You honour the spirit of the child when he or she is engaged in their culture.”

Pelletier cheered on Cindy Blackstock’s perseverance for more funding for the protection of Indigenous children.

“The children won.”

She also encouraged students to know and use the Jordon’s principle to help children.

A mission was sent to the future social workers.

“Find the lost people in the system and bring them home,” stated Pelletier. “If you don’t get them back into the home community, connect them back to their spirit.”

Pelletier also urged the audience to get children immersed in the natural law, paying close attention to the land and the water.

“Sometimes kids are disconnected when they are living in the city.”

Throughout Pelletier’s talk, she emphasized that social workers and citizens have the responsibility to keep a child’s spirit alive.

“We are protecting the spirit of the child. Always protect the spirit of the child.”