About Koognaasewin

Beginning in 2020, the North Shore First Nations had initiated the planning to write our own child well-being laws. We will no longer be bound to Canada’s Western laws. We are Anishinaabe, and we will decide what is best for our children. In the coming months and years, we will be asking you to talk with us, to share with us, and to dream with us, moving us all to rethink what is possible.

WE HAVE THE RIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITY TO RAISE OUR CHILDREN THE ANISHINAABE WAY

  • 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

  • Anishinaabe laws, or Koognaasewin, can be found by looking to the earth, to songs, dreams, and ceremonies. By speaking to the people about practices of child raising that have been passed down for generations.

  • The existing child welfare system has created harm to our people and communities, so the development of a Koognaasewin Child Well-Being law and service delivery system will replace the Ontario Child Welfare system. We will reclaim jurisdiction over who provides services to our children and will, once again, control decisions that impact our children.

  • The North Shore First Nation’s community members are the inherent rights holders, so they will be involved in the development and approval of their law. Consultation will take place throughout the adoption and creation of law development.

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