Koganaawsawin Working Group strategize best practices
By Marina Plain
AAMJIWNAANG FIRST NATION— The Anishinabek Nation Social Development Department recently hosted a Child Well-Being Working Group Meeting from February 5-6.
The meeting saw some 35 individuals from across the Anishinabek territory gather to share information and best practices with respect to the approval and implementation of the Child Well-Being Law. Delegates ranged from Band Representatives, Elders, Band Councillors, Family Service Workers and family advocates.
Adrienne Pelletier, Anishinabek Nation Social Development Department Director, has been working steadily toward the development and implementation of the Anishinabek Nation Child Well-Being Law for the past few years. Currently, 14 First Nations have passed the law in their First Nation.
Other First Nations have expressed their interest to pass the Law, but are seeking further information. Often multiple visits and presentations are required to their First Nation members and leadership to make sure that all questions on the law are answered.
Pelletier attributes her tireless dedication to this work to her grandmother.
“My grandmother instilled this fierce fire within me,” noted Pelletier in her opening remarks.
The other driving force is Tracey O’Donnell, legal counsel on the child well-being initiatives who has also been working tirelessly on the law. The two are happy with the overall progress to date and they shared that there are plenty of meetings planned. The duo, together with the social team, are on a mission to see the law passed by over 20 Anishinabek First Nations by June of this year.
The next steps will be to support the 14 First Nations with full implementation of the law and the establishment of Kognaawsawin the central body supporting the Anishinabek First Nations and their agencies to address child welfare matters in addition, Pelletier advised the working group that steps are being taken to appoint an Anishinabek Nation Children’s Commissioner.
Going forward, Pelletier urges all Band Representatives to “occupy the field” in their respective First Nation and to keep pushing forward with their work. She encourages each First Nation to access funds made available for Band Representatives through the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) ruling.
The final part of the working group meeting focussed on the development of the Anishinabek Nation dispute resolution process for child welfare matters. Leanna Farr and Stan Cloud who are leading this initiative shared information on the input provided to date by the Anishinabek leaders and citizens on an alternative dispute resolution model. A meeting is scheduled for March 20 and 21, 2019, in Orillia for the working group to continue to work on the dispute resolution model.
The next CWBWG meeting is scheduled for May 1-2, 2019.
For more information, please contact: Cecile Hookimaw at cecile.hookimaw@anishnabek.ca or 705-497-9127 ext. 2311