Anishinabek Nation takes historic step forward to reclaim inherent jurisdiction over child welfare

CURVE LAKE FIRST NATION – The Anishinabek Nation takes an historic step forward to reclaim the inherent right of child welfare by committing to move forward with the Anishinabek Nation Child Well-being Law.

The Chiefs-in-Assembly passed a resolution today, encouraging the important work for the Union of Ontario Indians to do on behalf of the Anishinabek Nation.

“We need total jurisdiction of our children. This is an important step in asserting jurisdiction for our children,” says Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee who has been re-elected for a consecutive third term. “I recognize all of the work that has been done to develop the Anishinabek Nation Child Well-Being Law.”

The Anishinabek Nation Child Welfare Working Group and sub-committees will continue to address implementation issues and will amend the draft Anishinabek Nation Child Well-Being Law until April 1, 2017.

Union of Ontario Indians Social Services Department Director Adrienne Pelletier wants to acknowledge all the input and support by Anishinabek Nation leadership and citizens.

“We will continue to seek further input in the development of what the system will look like,” says Pelletier.

Updated Child Well-Being Law in draft can be found here http://anishinabek.ca/download/ANChildWellbeingLawMay2015.pdf