April 2019

Tracey O’Donnell presents at a recent Child Well-Being Working Group Meeting, held to share information and best practices regarding the approval and implementation of the Anishinabek Nation Child Well-Being Law.

Koganaawsawin Working Group strategize best practices

By Marina Plain

AAMJIWNAANG FIRST NATION— The Anishinabek Nation Social Development Department recently hosted a Child Well-Being Working Group Meeting from February 5-6.

The meeting saw some 35 individuals from across the Anishinabek Territory gather to share information and best practices with respect to the approval and implementation of the Child Well-Being Law. Delegates ranged from Band Representatives, Elders, Band

Councillors, Family Service Workers and family advocates.

Adrienne Pelletier, Anishinabek Nation Social Development Department Director, has been working steadily toward the development and implementation of the Anishinabek Nation Child Well-Being Law for the past few years. Currently, 16 First Nations have passed the law in their First Nation.

Other First Nations have expressed their interest to pass the Law, but are seeking further information. Often multiple visits and

presentations are required to their First Nation members and leadership to make sure that all questions on the law are answered.

Pelletier attributes her tireless dedication to this work to her grandmother.

“My grandmother instilled this fierce fire within me,” noted Pelletier in her opening remarks.

The other driving force is Tracey O’Donnell, legal counsel on the child well-being initiatives who has also been working tirelessly on the law. (Cont’d…)

The two are happy with the overall progress to date and they shared that there are plenty of meetings planned. The duo, together with the social team, are on a mission to see the law passed by over 20 Anishinabek First Nations by June of this year.

The next steps will be to support the 16 First Nations with full implementation of the law and the establishment of Koganaawsawin, the central body supporting the Anishinabek First Nations and their agencies to address child welfare matters. In addition, Pelletier advised the working group that steps are being taken to appoint an

Anishinabek Nation Children’s Commissioner.

Going forward, Pelletier urges all Band Representatives to “occupy the field” in their respective First Nation and to keep pushing forward with their work. She encourages each First Nation to access funds made available for Band Representatives through the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) ruling.

The final part of the working group meeting focused on the development of the Anishinabek Nation dispute resolution process for child welfare matters. Leanna

Farr and Stan Cloud who are leading this initiative shared information on the input provided to date by the Anishinabek leaders and citizens on an alternative dispute resolution model. A meeting was scheduled for March 20 and 21, 2019, in Orillia for the working group to continue to work on the dispute resolution model.

The next CWBWG meeting is scheduled for May 1-2, 2019 in Henvey Inlet First Nation.

For more information, please contact: Cecile Hookimaw at cecile.hookimaw@anishnabek.ca or 705-497-9127 ext. 2311

Further support needed for Band Representatives

By Stan Cloud

TORONTO—Band representatives from across the province gathered to learn and share their experiences with each other in Toronto on January 15-17.

The band rep is a crucial role in advocacy for families that are at-risk or involved with the provincial child welfare system. As much as First Nations wanted to be alongside of their citizens walking with them and supporting them, wherever and whenever, until recently, this was not possible. The role of the band representative was unfunded and First Nations could only provide minimal support to their citizens.

First Nations have always advocated for funding, as the band representative was a legislated role that is identified in the past Child & Family Services Act and the newly enacted Child, Youth & Family Services Act. The Canadian Human

Rights Tribunal’s decision has forced the Federal government to provide funding for the band representative position.

During the Anishinabek Nation First Nations’ Band Representatives Gathering in September 2018 in Sault Ste. Marie, the attendees stated that no venue or process exists to voice their concerns. The gathering provided an excellent opportunity for band representatives to share their struggles, frustrations and successes with each other. This proved beneficial to all attendees, as with most community-based services, the staff are often overwhelmed and do not always have the professional guidance or support. This is especially true with the band representative role, as it is a highly specialized service.

During the Ontario-wide conference, some strong messages came forward about the need for a

formalized process to ensure the band representatives can express their opinion, especially on policy, court processes or legislation affecting their work. The commitment and determination of the band representatives is a true indicator of their hope for a better life for the families they represent.

Band Representatives from across Ontario gather to share their voice on matters impacting their work.

Under the light of a full moon, participants of The Plug into Nature Family Wellness Retreat use lanterns to admire a medicine wheel on the ice that they worked together to create.

Plug into Nature: Family Wellness Retreat

By Sarah Blackwell

SOUTH RIVER—The Plug into Nature Family Wellness Retreat was the first Anishinabek Nation cultural camp that incorporated both parents and youth ages 10 – 21 years.

The cultural retreat was coordinated by Sarah Blackwell, Youth Coordinator for the Social Development Department at the Anishinabek Nation; Mathew Gauthier, a youth leader; and Melanie Miller, an Anishinabek Educational Institute student doing a two-week placement within the Youth Program.

The participants were from Anishinabek Nation member First Nations, including Sagamok Anishinawbek, Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, Aundeck Omni Kaning, Beausoleil, Michipicoten, Nipissing, and Mississauga #8. The retreat provided programming to 28 participants, to which 17 were youth. The event was hosted by Northern Edge Algonquin just outside the town of South River, on Lake Kawawaymog in Algonquin Park.

The activities hosted throughout the five-day retreat included: an opening by Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare and prayer by Gokomis Virginia Goulais. A keynote address and social round dance from Daryl Kooteney, a Traditional singer, dancer, artist, father and youth leader from the Stoney Nakoda Nation of Treaty 7 in southern Alberta, brought everyone through the arrival day and into the evening.

On the second day, Perry Mcleod-Shabogesic of Nipissing First Nation conducted a Bear Feast, taught medicine making and crafting medicine pouches, along with fire teachings.

The third day was crafting tipi models and rotating through activities learning about sprouting microgreens, pelts, birds and animal stories, creating a large medicine wheel on the ice to be lit up at night with lanterns that were also created during the day.

The fourth day was dogsledding with Chocpaw Adventures on the Lake with Alaskan sled dogs and rotating through activities to finish the lanterns, relaxing with guided meditation and crystal sound bowls. This night was completed by setting intentions by the full moon and lighting up the medicine wheel on the ice with the lanterns that participants made.

The final day was closed by Gokomis Virginia Goulais.

Overall, the event was a huge success and participants are excited to attend the next cultural retreat. Northern Edge Algonquin was a fantastic host, with great food, support and resources, and we look forward to working with them again.

Attendees participated in various activities throughout the 5 day Wellness Retreat.

Family Well-Being Program Evaluation In the fall of 2018, Anishinabek Nation Family Well-Being Team carried out a program evaluation. This evaluation ensured us that the program is progressing and that it is meeting its intended objectives. Evaluations are important as this provides accountability to our clients, First Nations, funders/partners, and to the Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services.

Sara Cornthwaite, freelance content curator and citizen of Nipissing First Nation, assisted our team in producing a video about the Family Well-Being Program. The video provides testimonials on how this program has helped create positive change in our First Nations. You can watch this video at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj2S67lyPvc or you can search Anishinabek Nation Family Well-Being video on YouTube.

“The great thing about the Family Well-Being Program is that they allowed communities to design their own programs, according to their own needs.” Bonnie Couchie, Family Well-Being Coordinator Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation

“I see healing and a lot of unity. Empowering them and teaching them that they do have gifts and that they are part of the community.”

Kimberly Bressette, Family Well-Being Coordinator Kettle and Stony Point First Nation

“It’s really awesome to mothers and daughters who have been disconnected coming together at a sweat lodge or at full moon ceremonies.” Stephanie McInnis, Family Well-Being Coordinator Chippewas of Rama First Nation

“The Family Well-Being Program means everything to me. I was afraid for so many years to ask for help. It was life changing because we never had anything like that before.”

Sarah Bressette, Client Kettle and Stony Point First Nation

“People finally feel like someone cares and they never had that. I wish people out there, I wish they could realize how important it is. It saves peoples lives.” Kimberly Desjardins, Mental Health Counselor Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek First Nation

Indigenous Mindfulness used for healing

By Laura Barrios

CHIPPEWAS OF THE THAMES FIRST NATION—Anishinabek Nation Family Well-Being workers attended a winter training session, with a key focus on mindfulness.

As part of the training held in Chippewas of the Thames First Nation on February 12 to 13, participants heard from keynote speaker Dr. Michael Yellow Bird, a professor of Sociology, and director of Indigenous Tribal Studies at North Dakota State University. Yellow Bird delivered a thought-provoking presentation on neurodecolonization and decolonizing practices, which involves combining mindfulness approaches with traditional and contemporary contemplative practices to re-sculpt neuronal pathways of negative patterns of thought, emotion, and behaviour with healthy, productive ones.

“Our mind is one of the most powerful allies that we have,” stated Yellow Bird. “You can’t be healthy in one place and unhealthy in others – it’s not the way the body works. Research shows us that if we eat well, it can protect us from trauma. We don’t give ourselves what we need to overcome that trauma. Our ancestors did – they walked and moved a lot. What we’ve learned about social work has come from a western way. What I’m giving you is a western way plus Indigenous way.”

Yellow Bird also delved into the Mismatch Theory, whereby modern human beings often find their naturally evolved selves (their fundamental human natures) mismatched or at odds with the current physical, social, and cultural environment. This theory, as explored by Yellow Bird, is applicable to colonialism and its effects on Indigenous Peoples.

“We can decolonize our brain by going into traditional practices and stripping away the harmful and invasive thoughts, practices, beliefs, values, and traditions,” explained Yellow Bird. “We were raised in an environment where we had cultural things that kept us healthy as Indigenous people – thinking, eating – we’re mismatched with the society today. With all of the suicide, anxiety, chronic diseases – wherever colonization has been, you can find these different kinds of disorders.”

Yellow Bird segued into mindfulness and how it can heal emotions, reset genetic expression, noting that running, sleeping, laughing, meditation, diaphragmatic breathing are effective approaches to achieving mindfulness. He conducted a full body scan where he asked participants to close their eyes and start breathing and to focus on that breath – to create and maintain a sense of relaxation.

Following the scan, a participant explained that she felt more relaxed and focused after the activity. Yellow Bird noted that there’s a chemical reaction – a lift – when you give yourself a moment to relax. (Cont’d…)

Family Well-Being Program Waiting for Decision on Renewal Funding

The Anishinabek Nation’s Family

Well-Being Program is in its final

year of a three-year funding

agreement (April 2016 - March

31, 2019). As year-end is fast

approaching, the Ontario

government has not made an

official announcement on the

future of the program.

The Ontario Ministry of Children,

Community & Social Services is

optimistic for the future of the

program.

Anishinabek Nation remains

positive and hopeful that it will

receive the official

announcement in the near

future. The Family Well-Being

Workers from the 40 member

First Nations have been anxiously

waiting for the government to

make an announcement, as they

need time to plan for their

futures professionally and

personally.

“Disrupting your chain of thoughts and stopping them to stay in one place at one moment – whether you’re singing, beading – so long as you know what you’re doing in that moment, that’s mindfulness. As long as it’s focused. The longer we do it, the more good stuff happens in our brain. The more it grows. The more we are protected against stress and traumas.”

Mindfulness is a tool that Family Well-Being workers can use as they carry out their work in their respective First Nations, and share with their clients to practice.

Men’s Gatherings

By Rebecca Timms (Ojijaak-kwe)

WIIKWEMKOONG UNCEDED TERRITORY—Gerry Kaboni, resident of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory inspired through vision and coupled with his own past experiences in dealing with trauma, has been called upon by spirits to assist in the healing of other men within his community and across Turtle Island.

The Wikwemikong Heritage Organization was the first to assist Gerry in implementing and organizing his vision into community events or Men’s Gatherings. Although, the chosen title for the event speaks to a workshop style venue, it is much more than that – it is ceremonial. To give a better description, it is a healing ceremony offering: sweats, doctoring, traditional teachings and an emphasis on moving words into actions. Participants are asked to complete daily exercises that support both their past traumatic experiences and their healing journey. Gatherings are led by the Pwaagan (pipe) and the Shkode (Sacred Fire) is lit to give the men strength to guide their spirits and to allow for the safe release of afflictions to be replaced and filled by positivity. The agenda is dictated only by the Pwaagan.

The onset and aftermath of colonialism has diminished the role of the man. Gatherings recognize this loss of identity within community and strives to strengthen participant’s connection, pride and spirit. Corresponding with the understanding, this has contributed to the dysfunction of families that affects our children – leading into intergenerational trauma. Above all, the purpose of the Gatherings are to provide a safe space where all Anishinabek are welcome to begin/continue their healing journey through the revitalization of their spirit.

Gatherings offer strict confidence to its participants. Entrance into the event site is restricted to participants and reliable resource people. All in attendance are asked to understand and adhere to a strong oath of confidentiality. It is communicated and understood by all participants:

1) No one will be forced to share; 2) Many are attending as their first step towards healing; 3) Skills and resources provided must continue to be developed daily to lessen the impacts of trauma and better their lives.

(Pictured Left) Dr. Michael Yellow Bird, Professor of Sociology and Director of Indigenous Tribal Studies at North Dakota State University

(Cont’d…)

The third Men’s Gathering was held this past February with more being planned for the future. This includes the addition of Women’s Gathering to start in the spring. Gerry is looking to expand these Gatherings into other First Nations across Ontario. Part of Gerry’s vision is to give participants the tools needed to overcome and heal from their trauma so that they may be better equipped at guiding those who are suffering within their own community. This summer, a Men’s Gathering is planned to be hosted in Saugeen First Nation.

Healers, knowledge keepers, resource people and spiritual leaders all assisted with the facilitation of the Gatherings held to date. All have expressed their interest in returning to facilitate future Gatherings. All participants agreed the Gatherings have greatly and positively influenced the ways in which they choose to positively move forward in their lives. Since the third Men’s Gathering was hosted, more have come forward to identify and express their interest in attending in the future.

Organizations have provided required support and contributed financially to the success of past Gatherings; however, much support continues to be provided on a voluntary basis. If you are in a position to and/or would like to contribute, please contact Brian Peltier at the Wikwemikong Heritage Organization to discuss further.

With the growing interest in gatherings, organizer Gerry Kaboni intends to add a Women’s Gathering in the spring and expand to other First Nations across Ontario in the future.

Shkode (sacred fire) is lit at gatherings to give strength, guide spirits and allow for a safe release of afflictions.

Adrienne Pelletier, Director of Social Development

Cecile Hookimaw, Administrative Assistant

Ronnie George, Prevention Coordinator

Rebecca Timms, MMIW Coordinator

Tanya Restoule, Family Well-Being Development Officer

Stan Cloud, Child Well-Being Services Coordinator/Policy Analyst

Lori Griffith, Finance Coordinator

Lori Griffith holds a Three-Year Accounting Diploma (Honours) from Canadore College and a Bachelors in Business Administration – Accounting (Honours) from Nipissing University. In addition, she is just over 12 months from completing her Master’s in Business Administration from Laurentian University.

Lori has over 24 years of accounting and auditing experience, having worked in the mining industry holding numerous accounting positions for the Ontario Ministry of Revenue as a Provincial Sales Tax Auditor and having her own bookkeeping practice. She is looking forward to using these skills and her knowledge as a Finance Coordinator to assist the Social Services Department in meeting their mandates. Lori can be reached at the Anishinabek Nation Head Office in North Bay via email at lori.griffith@anishinabek.ca or via phone at x2326.

Victoria Racette, Social Development/Koganaawsawin Communications Officer

Victoria is a proud Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe, with roots in Six Nations and Mississaugas of the New Credit.

Victoria holds an Advanced Diploma in Advertising & Communications from Mohawk College of Applied Arts & Technology and a Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Studies from Sir Wilfrid Laurier University. Throughout her 11 years in the industry, she has had wonderful opportunities to contribute to the communities of Hamilton, Brantford, Toronto, Six Nations and Wahta Mohawk Nation.

Victoria will be leading communication efforts for the Social Development Department and Koganaawsawin. Her work will focus on child, youth and family well-being, youth initiatives, family violence, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, social assistance and daycare/childcare. She is excited to be a part of the Social Development Team and contributing to a community she feels innately connected to. Victoria can be reached at the Anishinabek Nation Head Office in North Bay via email at victoria.racette@anishinabek.ca or via phone at x2315.

NEW FACES AT THE ANISHINABEK NATION

For more information on the Anishinabek Nation’s Social Development Department or Koganaawsawin, contact:

Anishinabek Nation Head Office 1 Migizii Miikan, North Bay ON P1B 8J8

Telephone: 705-497-9127 or 1-877-702-5200 Fax: 705-497-9135 Email: info@anishinabek.ca

Website: www.anishinabek.ca