About

Abinoojii Inakonigewin, a child care law enacted for Treaty #3 First Nations, focuses on the rights and well-being of Anishinaabe children, families, and communities, highlighting the inherent jurisdiction of First Nations over child welfare.

The law’s implementation is supported by a five-year implementation plan, with guidance and knowledge from the Social Chief’s Committee, Executive Women’s, Men’s and Youth Councils, along with First Nations, and CFS Agency representatives on how this law can be effectively realized. The law marks a significant shift towards community-driven, traditional approaches to prevent the removal of children and address system failures. It emphasizes youth participation and continuous efforts to reintegrate those affected by the justice system, reflecting a broader commitment to assert First Nations’ governance over child care, stemming from years of advocacy and collaboration.

child and mother

Child Wellbeing Advocacy

Youth play an important role in the effective implementation of Abinoojii Inakonigewin. GCT#3 continues to work with youth and the Executive Youth Council to ensure their voices, concerns and needs are being addressed effectively in its child wellbeing advocacy.

Tools and resources, including toolkits, are developed to support understanding and implementation of this law.

Five-Year Implementation Pathway

Five-Year Implementation Pathway

History

Abinoojii Inakonigewin’s development was a communal effort that began in the 1990s, guided by elders, chiefs, and leaders advocating for First Nations’ jurisdiction over Anishinaabe children’s care.

It involved renewing Anishinaabe governance, extensive consultations, and drafting a Child Care Law that evolved into Abinoojii Inakonigewin after rigorous community engagement. Recent years have seen formal agreements with provincial bodies to affirm collaboration for the well-being of Anishinaabe children in Treaty #3