Kitchenuhmaykoosib – The Nation of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) states that it has existed in their Homelands since the beginning of human memory. This is a memory that recounts centuries of evolution and growth within its vast and wondrous place. Kishe-Manidoo (Creator) bestowed these Homelands to KI and Miinikoziwin, an inherent power given or bestowed upon KI that includes rights and responsibilities with a Kanachitotamowin (Sacred Duty) to care for Awaashishag, Oshkaadizag egwa Dibenjikewinan (Children, Youth and Families) so as to maintain the balance of life central to the Nation of KI’s identity.
Today, at a ceremony in Kitchenuhmaykoosib (formerly Big Trout Lake), Ontario, Chief Donny Morris, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI); the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Federal Minister of Indigenous Services; the Honourable Michael Parsa, Ontario’s Minister of Children, Community and Social Services; and the Honourable Greg Rickford, Ontario’s Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs, celebrated the signing of a coordination agreement, pursuant to An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, Métis children, youth and families. This agreement 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.
Through this agreement, KI, Canada and Ontario have established a path forward that puts the best interests of KI Awaashishag, Oshkaadizag egwa Dibenjiekwin first. 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 a funding agreement are also underway between KI and Ontario.
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 child-rearing 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.
Directly investing in the community as they lead the reformation of child and family services in their community is essential, as they are in the best position to determine what is important for their children, youth and families.
“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.” – Chief Donny Morris,, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug
“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.” – Samuel McKay, Councillor, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug
“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.” – Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services