RAMA—Ontario and the Anishinabek Nation signed an agreement on Tuesday that will strengthen the relationship through an affirmation of partnership and a shared path forward on child and family services.
“We love our children,” said Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee. “This partnership will strengthen our responsibility for the care of our children and will be so important for our families, our communities, our nation.”
An Anishinabek News release Tuesday reported that Minister of Children and Youth Services Michael Coteau and Grand Council Chief Madahbee jointly made the announcement at the Rama First Nation. The province and the Anishinabek Nation are working together to transform the system of services for Anishinabek children and youth in Ontario to better meet their needs through community-driven, integrated and culturally appropriate supports.
The agreement is an important step in ongoing work to improve outcomes and opportunities for Anishinabek children and youth through the Ontario Indigenous Children and Youth Strategy. The strategy provides a framework for the province and Anishinabek Nation to discuss changes to the system of services for Anishinabek children and youth to better meet their needs.
“The relationship agreement between Ontario and the Anishinabek Nation signifies the important work we have done together through the Ontario Indigenous Children and Youth Strategy,” said Minister Coteau. “This agreement also affirms our shared commitment to strengthen our bilateral relationship and continue working to achieve better outcomes and opportunities for Anishinabek children and youth.”
Helping Anishinabek children and youth reach their full potential is one of many steps on the journey of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous people a press release from the province states. It reflects the government’s commitment to work with Indigenous partners and to creating a better future for everyone in the province.
The Ontario Indigenous Children and Youth Strategy is a long-term, generational and whole-of-government framework that seeks to transform the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Ontario government and to improve outcomes for Indigenous children, youth and families.
