Koognaasewin

is a Multi-Year project with the goal of supporting North Shore Communities toward reassertion of jurisdiction to care for their own children. There are several components and moving parts to the Koognaasewin Initiative. The flowchart below provides a high-level overview of those components as well as the progression of the Initiative from its beginnings in 2021 through to Year 5 activities scheduled to occur in fiscal year 2025-2026:

How Koognaasewin Came To Be

In April 2017, Nogdawindamin began functioning as a fully mandated child welfare agency in accordance with the laws of Ontario. In October 2018, the North Shore Tribal Council passed another resolution to proceed with the next phase of the child welfare developmental process to achieve the goal of restoring Anishinabek control and capacity for child welfare (key provisions) and INCLUDING LAW DEVELOPMENT (excerpt):

“…..The issue of Child Welfare is a substantive and pervasive issue that is embodied in regional, provincial, and federal discussions and actions;…….

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

1. NSTC undertake to establish a Terms of Reference for a joint Nog/NSTC Working Group to be approved by both parties in advance.

2. A Joint Nog/NSTC Regional Working Group be formed with representation from all North Shore First Nations for the purpose of: a. Investigating and reviewing the various options for proceeding with the development of a North Shore Child Welfare Law including:

a)     Investigating and reviewing the various options for proceeding with the development of a North Shore Child Welfare Law including:

i. Investigation as to applicable funding options and programs,

ii. investigation of the impact/implications of current and proposed reforms,

iii. reviewing alternative models and best practices/experiences from for other regions,

b) Preparing a consultation and engagement strategy with timelines for the approval of Nog and NSTC identifying the purpose, format, methods and expected/desired outcomes and deliverables.

c) On approval of the above, undertake consultation and engagement with North Shore Tribal Council Area First Nations on their specific needs and expectations to be considered in developing a new Child Welfare Law.

d) Providing regular quarterly progress reporting and recommendations on the above….”

The process is multifaceted to ensure that the requirements set out in the NSTC Resolution are accomplished and that the outcome will be fully informed by research, best practices, consultation, readiness assessment and an implementation plan.