New law proposed to protect Anishinabek children

NEWS RELEASE

ANISHINABEK NATION

**************************** New law being developed will protect Anishinabek children

The Anishinabek Nation is taking the first step in developing an Anishinabek Nation child welfare law. 

Union of Ontario Indians’ Social Services Director Adrienne Pelletier says that she encourages all Anishinabek to become part of the creation of a child welfare law.

“It’s important that we get as many people as possible to these consultation sessions,” says Pelletier. “Everyone has experience with or knows about child welfare in their community. It’s time to get involved and participate in our children’s future.”

Currently, child welfare in Ontario is governed by provincial law under the Child and Family Services Act. 

“Adequate standards of care” established by Ontario is primarily based on mainstream society standards only, with little or no consideration or notions of the importance of extended family and the whole community to Anishinabek. 

Thunder Bay is the first of eight consultation sessions. 

Others will be held in Wikwemikong, Chippewas of the Thames, North Bay, Chippewas of Rama, Red Rock, Sault Ste. Marie and Toronto.

What: Thunder Bay consultation session for the Anishinabek Nation child welfare law development.

Who: Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee, Deputy Grand Council Chief Glen Hare, Union of Ontario Indians Director of Social Services Adrienne Pelletier, community members.

Where: Travelodge Airlane on Arthur Street West, Thunder Bay.

When: August 5 and 6 - 9 a.m.

The Anishinabek Nation formed the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. 

The UOI is a political advocate for 42 member First Nations across Ontario. 

The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

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