CHIPPEWAS OF THE THAMES FIRST NATION (November 5, 2019) – During Day One of the Anishinabek Nation Fall Assembly, Grand Council Chief Glen Hare announced the appointment of Ogimaa Duke Peltier as the new Anishinabek Nation Children’s Commissioner.
“This is so awesome for our kids!” said Grand Council Chief Hare. “There are 21 Anishinabek First Nations that have taken the first steps forward to create a new reality for our children, youth and families. A reality premised on the principles of wellness, healing and family-unity. As our Children’s Commissioner, Ogimaa Peltier will be helping to ensure the well-being of our future generations and our Nations.”
In this new role to the Anishinabek Nation, Ogimaa Peltier will provide high-level oversight over the implementation, compliance and enforcement of the Anishinabek Nation Child Well-Being Law, and the Anishinabek Nation Children and Youth Bill of Rights.
“It is truly an honour,” said Ogimaa Peltier. “I see this role making some significant changes in child welfare and our communities. We need to continue expanding many of the prevention services. That’s where we’re going to see the most benefit for our young people— to give them the best start and the best life.
Since 2008, the Anishinabek Nation has been engaged in initiatives to support the development of the Anishinabek Nation Child Well-Being Law. To date, 21 Anishinabek First Nations have chosen to enact the Law that is an exercise of the each Nations’ inherent right and jurisdiction over child and youth well-being, and child welfare.
Earlier this year, the Anishinabek Nation Chiefs-in-Assembly approved the Anishinabek Nation Children and Youth Bill of Rights, which acts as a record of rights for all Anishinabek Children and Youth.
“Every child and youth deserves to feel safe and cared for, free from abuse and connected to their culture, families and communities,” states Grand Council Chief Hare. “It is our duty to ensure the well-being of our people.”
The Anishinabek Nation is a political advocate for 40 member First Nations across Ontario, representing approximately 65,000 citizens. The Anishinabek Nation 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.
