Tikinagan congratulates Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug with KIDO, revitalized family law

Tikinagan Child & Family Services congratulates Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI), who commemorated the official proclamation of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Dibenjikewin Onaakonikewin (“KIDO”) — the revitalized KI Family Law that gives the First Nation jurisdiction over their awaashishag, oshkadizag egwa dibenjikewinan (children, youth and families).

“It’s amazing we’ve come this far,” said Thelma Morris, Tikinagan Executive Director. “That Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug has something in their hands, taken from ancestors and for the community, is incredible.”

Since Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Chiefs created Tikinagan in 1984, Tikinagan has been accountable to the Chiefs and the Province of Ontario.  However, we have always been working towards achieving the Chiefs’ founding vision – First Nation law and First Nation service delivery. 

Now, KIDO is responsible for providing child and family services that honour the language, ways, customs, and traditions of the people of KI – their own law, and their own service delivery.

“On behalf of our Board, Elders, and Chiefs, both past and present, I want to acknowledge this important step by Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, as well as for Tikinagan and our communities. This day is something we’ve been working toward ever since Tikinagan was created to provide culturally-relevant, community-based solutions for our families almost 40 years ago.”

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug is the first among the 30 First Nations served by Tikinagan and the second in Ontario to create their own family law under Bill C-92, An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families. The Act is what Indigenous peoples across Canada have asked of governments for decades: to affirm and recognize their jurisdiction over child and family services.

KIDO came into effect on April 1, 2023. The KIDO family law document can be viewed online at kibtl.ca.