Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI), Treaty 9 Territory, Ontario - Indigenous Services Canada
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.
