Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug signs trilateral coordination agreement with Canada and Ontario to support First Nations-led child and family services

Tim Brody - Editor

An agreement was signed on April 11 in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI), at a special ceremony, that, “supports the exercise of KI’s jurisdiction in relation to their child and family services under the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Dibenjikewin Onaakonikewin (KIDO), which in the Anishininiimowin language of KI, means Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Family Law.”
The agreement was signed by Chief Donny Morris, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI); Patty Hajdu, Federal Minister of Indigenous Services; Michael Parsa, Ontario’s Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and Greg Rickford, Ontario’s Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs, were signatories on the agreement, pursuant to An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, Métis children, youth and families. 
“Through this agreement, KI, Canada and Ontario have established a path forward that puts the best interests of KI Awaashishag, Oshkaadizag egwa Dibenjiekwin first,” the three parties shared in a joint news release. “This coordination agreement outlines shared understandings, specific roles and 
responsibilities, and joint commitments to support the coordination of services for children, youth and families. This is the second coordination agreement in Ontario and the seventh in Canada.
“The coordination agreement also addresses fiscal arrangements for delivering child and family services, and sets out principles the parties will consider when developing such arrangements.
KI and Canada have also entered into a fiscal relationship agreement that provides $93.8 million over four years through the Federal Government to support KI in implementing its law and service delivery model. Negotiations for the funding agreement are also underway between KI and Ontario,” the news release explained.  
“KI’s onaakonikewin (law) approaches child and family services with love and compassion and focuses on its guiding Kaa-iishi-niibawiijikaatekin (Principles) within Maamao Dibenjikewin Kanawaabajikewin, which is the traditional practice of childrearing and care involving all members of a Dibenjikewin (Family) and community. This involvement from community members will revitalize KI values, principles, customs, language, and Kayaash egwa Miina Ahchaako Kikimohamaakewinan (Traditional and Spiritual Teachings) so that Dibenjikewinan will have the support they need to raise Awaashishag and Oshkaadizag in healthy homes, as done in the past. This supportive and preventative approach is grounded in the teachings of Kichiihaak (Elders) and the culture of KI,” the news release continued. 
Chief Donny Morris, stated “It has been a long time in coming, but KIDO will help our Awaashishag, Oshkaadizag egwa Dibenjikewinan, it will provide jobs within KI and it will provide an opportunity for 
growth within the community. We are looking forward to seeing the benefits of the new 
onaakonikewin in the years to come.”
Samuel McKay, Councillor, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, added, “The community can’t get healthy until we have resolved the core issues, this is what is driving me. With the implementation of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Dibenjikewin Onaakonikewin we are moving forward, and we can only get better from here. Our community is ready to heal, we are ready to move forward.”
Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, stated, “Today marks a huge milestone for First Nations children and families in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug. Indigenous Peoples have always known what is best for their children and families, but decades of colonial and racist policies have pulled families apart and undermined their ability to take care of their own children. The trilateral coordination agreement signed with Canada and Ontario marks a new chapter in our history that will ensure KI has the resources and tools they need for their children to have the best opportunities ahead of them, while remaining connected to their families, community, language, and culture. Congratulations to everyone who worked tirelessly to make this happen.”
Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, noted, “This agreement, a first of its kind in Treaty 9 territory, is a testament to Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation’s steadfast commitment to developing a law that places the safety and security of their children, families, and community at the forefront, while also addressing their unique needs. Ontario is pleased to be part of this collaborative process to ensure that KI’s treasured values, customs, languages, and spiritual teachings are deeply integrated into their child and family services.”
Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Minister of Northern Development, shared, “This coordination agreement is a historic milestone for Treaty 9 Territory and it represents the meaningful steps the provincial government continues to take towards reconciliation. The Agreement will ensure that the needs of children, families, and communities in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug are met, and they have the supports they need to thrive. Our government is continuing to work closely with Indigenous partners to develop supports that address the unique challenges of their communities.”