Treaty 2 Territory – The “Collaborative” narrative dominated a range of topics within the Children, Families and Nation Circle and Mino-Bimaadiziiwin Inherent Law Framework. There were many valuable insights that Ikwewaak brought forth in today’s meeting.
In a governing context, the Ikewewaak Council reviewed Phase1 of lawmaking in Children, Families and Nation. The CFN Circle was praised for bringing together significant contributions in areas of legislative analysis, relationship building with the agencies, utilizing approaches that are consistent with the Anishinaabe way of life. The Mino-Ombigii’aa (good child rearing) principle provides the CFN circle with guidance and decision-making as this sacred work continues to unfold.
Canada’s law – C-92: An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families – Came into effect in January 2020 as result of numerous national efforts to bring children home that were apprehended by the Child and Family Services.
To participate in the legislative area – CFN has since drafted:
- A Declaration of Collective Rights of the People of Treaty 2 Territory with respect to Children, Families and Nation.
- Role for Child Advocate
- Inherent Rights of the Anishinaabe Child
- Right to Love – Right to Education – Right to Protection – Right to Develop –
- Right to Social Security
- Responsibility for Care of a Child
- Promotion of Wellness
- Mediation Process
- Role of a Peacemaker
- Responsibility of a wellness
- Customary Care
- Plan of Care
In a health and wellbeing context, the intersectionality of the Mino-Bimaadiziiwin Inakonigewin was also discussed and that maashkoydoomin (strongly entrenching) a local nation led process is set to form the basis in the design and development of an ethical and respectful framework. The distinctive nature of our laws and natural ways of helping each other facilitates the Nation away from the restricted approach to one of more that is collaborative in nature. The approach to law is a fundamental way of how the Nation constitutes itself with Wiisakoodaadiiwin (Unity) principles in the ethics of governing.
In the broader theme of governing, the Ikewaak will be selecting the Women’s Council chair on April 07th, 2020. The chair will be poised to contribute and bring balance to the discussions at the governing council. A review of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Ikwewaak is also part of the upcoming agenda.
“I am pleased to see that the governing circles have been created and that specific commitments are structed in a way that a democratic process takes shape. And that the Ikwewaak representation at the Governing Council would make it more effective to respond to any challenges and that political action can be taken should we require this level of support.” – Allison Mckay, Keesikoowinen Ikwewaak Council
“When Anishinaabe people are respected within their own legal space there are many great things that can happen – It’s an opportunity for self-determination and to positively impact health and social outcomes.” – Gwen Traverse Pinaymootang, Ikwewaag Council
“Our government recognizes that the “voice” of Ikwewaak is a source of Inakonigewin. Our law-making process cannot be undermined and circumvented by any other entity or government – our sovereign governing powers also gives rise to democratic relations within our Territory”. – Grand Chief Eugene Eastman
Last modified: May 7, 2021
