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Subjects: CHI, NTA, CFG, DEI

Coming into Force of Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation's Child and Family Services Law, Nigig Nibi Ki-win


ALGONQUINS OF PIKWAKANAGAN FIRST NATION, ON, April 19, 2024 /CNW/ - On April 19, 2024, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation's child and family services law, Nigig Nibi Ki-Win, came into force. Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation is the third Indigenous governing body in Ontario and the eleventh in Canada to have its own child and family services law. Nigig Nibi Ki-win will have the force of law as federal law, in accordance with An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.

As Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation have shared, Nigig Nibi Ki-win means "otters playing together in the water" in Anishinàbemowin (Algonquin) and represents the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation's obligations to their children and youth to support, connect, and protect their families. The law is a result of years of work by Pikwakanagan leadership, staff, and community, with advice and guidance by Pikwakanagan's Elders and traditional knowledge keepers.

For Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, Nigig Nibi Ki-win grounds child and family services, including with respect to prevention, child well-being, and dispute resolution, in the Seven Grandfather teachings and connection to family, culture, and the land. Programs, services, and supports will be administered and delivered by Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation's child and family well-being agency, Nigig Nibi Ki-win Gamik.

The next step is for Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and the Governments of Canada and Ontario to continue their discussions with a view to reaching a coordination agreement and associated fiscal arrangements to support the implementation of Nigig Nibi Ki-win. The Parties look forward to working together to advance our collaborative efforts on these agreements.

Quotes

"We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our children and future generations. Nigig Nibi Ki-win recognizes and responds to past harms caused to our children, families, and membership by Canada's colonial laws and legal processes, and it provides the framework for meeting our obligations to protect Pikwakanagan children and youth, support our families, and ensure a healthy and prosperous future for our people."

Chief Greg Sarazin
Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation

"Congratulations to the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation on the enactment of their child and family services law, Nigig Nibi Ki-win. This milestone represents the unwavering commitment of Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation towards the well-being of their children and families. Their unique law prioritizes keeping children and youth connected to their community, culture, and families, which will, in turn, help benefit children for generations. This is an important step towards true self-determination, and it is moving us forward on the path to reconciliation." 

The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services

"I am pleased to acknowledge the coming into force of Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation's child and family services law, Nigig Nibi Ki-win, which is an important milestone as we work together to improve outcomes for children and youth.Nigig Nibi Ki-win provides a foundation for a service delivery system that has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the children, youth and families of Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and Canada to support the implementation of Nigig Nibi Ki-win."

The Honourable Michael Parsa
Minister of Children, Community and Social Services

"Today marks an important step towards improving and enhancing Indigenous-led child and family services across Ontario. I would like to thank Indigenous leadership and Elders from Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation for their work throughout the development of Nigig Nibi Ki-win. Ontario stands in partnership with First Nations and we share the collective goal of safety and well-being of children in the province."

The Honourable Greg Rickford
Minister of Indigenous Affairs 

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SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada



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