Contact Nigig Nibi Ki-win

Purpose of the Agency

Nigig Nibi Ki-win Gamik, born from the Seven Grandfather teachings and grounded in stewardship of the land, prepares Pikwakanagan's children and youth to lead the future, with the support of family and community. Nigig Nibi Ki-win Gamik offers essential services like cultural supports, counseling, prevention services, and child and family wellbeing programs, with a focus on ensuring that every Pikwakanagan child has:

  • A name and connection to their family
  • Access to cultural practices and language
  • Safety, belonging, and a voice
  • A connection to the land
  • Access to education
  • The protection and safety of Pikwakanagan.

“To effect the development, implementation, administration, and operation of child and family wellbeing programs, including prevention and protection supports and services, in accordance with Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation's child wellbeing law, Nigig Nibi Ki-win and its regulations.”

Needs and Objectives

Nigig Nibi Ki-win Gamik was created to:

  • Deliver effective services to Pikwakanagan children, youth, and families
  • Place family and community at the centre of decision-making
  • Offer culturally appropriate services and wrap-around care
  • Recover and reclaim Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation's inherent jurisdiction within its territory

 

Through its operations, Nigig Nibi Ki-win Gamik strives to support the unity, self-sufficiency, health and wellbeing, cultural preservation and revitalization, and prosperity of Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation.

Pikwakanagan Jurisdiction

Inàkonigewin has governed the lands and the people of Pikwakanagan well before the imposition of colonial laws and systems. There is an urgent need to take back responsibility for the care of our children to undo and address the harm, damage, and trauma caused by colonial child welfare practices.

Nigig Nibi Ki-win represents the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation's reclamation and expression of its inherent jurisdiction and legislative authority over child and family services. Meaning "otters playing together in the water" in Anishinàbemowin Algonquin, Nigig Nibi Ki-win sets out our obligations in relation to the care, safety, and wellbeing of Pikwakanagan children, youth, and families.

Pikwakanagan's inherent right to self-government is constitutionally protected and affirmed in federal and international law. Through the process set out in An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, Nigig Nibi Ki-win also has the force of law as federal law.

 

Purpose of the Agency

Nigig Nibi Ki-win Gamik, born from the Seven Grandfather teachings and grounded in stewardship of the land, prepares Pikwakanagan's children and youth to lead the future, with the support of family and community. Nigig Nibi Ki-win Gamik offers essential services like cultural supports, counseling, prevention services, and child and family wellbeing programs, with a focus on ensuring that every Pikwakanagan child has:

  • A name and connection to their family
  • Access to cultural practices and language
  • Safety, belonging, and a voice
  • A connection to the land
  • Access to education
  • The protection and safety of Pikwakanagan.

“To effect the development, implementation, administration, and operation of child and family wellbeing programs, including prevention and protection supports and services, in accordance with Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation's child wellbeing law, Nigig Nibi Ki-win and its regulations.”

Needs and Objectives

Nigig Nibi Ki-win Gamik was created to:

  • Deliver effective services to Pikwakanagan children, youth, and families
  • Place family and community at the centre of decision-making
  • Offer culturally appropriate services and wrap-around care
  • Recover and reclaim Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation's inherent jurisdiction within its territory

 

Through its operations, Nigig Nibi Ki-win Gamik strives to support the unity, self-sufficiency, health and wellbeing, cultural preservation and revitalization, and prosperity of Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation.

Pikwakanagan Jurisdiction

Inàkonigewin has governed the lands and the people of Pikwakanagan well before the imposition of colonial laws and systems. There is an urgent need to take back responsibility for the care of our children to undo and address the harm, damage, and trauma caused by colonial child welfare practices.

Nigig Nibi Ki-win represents the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation's reclamation and expression of its inherent jurisdiction and legislative authority over child and family services. Meaning "otters playing together in the water" in Anishinàbemowin Algonquin, Nigig Nibi Ki-win sets out our obligations in relation to the care, safety, and wellbeing of Pikwakanagan children, youth, and families.

Pikwakanagan's inherent right to self-government is constitutionally protected and affirmed in federal and international law. Through the process set out in An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, Nigig Nibi Ki-win also has the force of law as federal law.

 

Eligibility for Services
Any Niinidjànis (child under 13) or Weshkinìgidj (youth aged 13-25) who is either an AOPFN member or has at least one grandparent who is or is entitled to be an AOPFN member is eligible for service.
View Sections: 4.01-4.03
Coordination
Recognizing the need to address the potential overlap of territory, residence of a Pikwakanagan child, youth, or family outside of Pikwakanagan's territory, blended families, etc.
View law sections: 4.05, 4.10, 4.11
Transition & Delegation
Reflects the complete assumption of CFS in Ontario and break from CYFSA model. Allows for delegation of jurisdiction where needed or with respect to non-Indigenous children.
View section of law: 4.06 - 4.08, 4.13 - 4.15
Paramountcy
Nigig Nibi Ki-win prevails over federal, provincial, and territorial law to the extent of the inconsistency or conflict
View section of law: 4.09
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Nigig Timeline

October 26, 2021
Chief and Council Approve Law Development
October 26, 2021
December 17, 2021
Ceremony and Community Engagement
December 17, 2021
January 1, 2022
Child Welfare Department Created
January 1, 2022
February 28, 2022
Community Consultation
February 28, 2022
May 16-17, 2022
Pikwakanagan and Barriere Lake Meeting
May 16-17, 2022
June 15-16, 2022
Community Consultation
June 15-16, 2022
November 1, 2022
Community Consultation
November 1, 2022
November 24, 2022
Presentation at Planning and Priorities Meeting
November 24, 2022
November 29, 2022
Chief and Council Approve Incorporation of Nigig Nibi Ki Win Gamik
November 29, 2022
December 13, 2022
Chief and Council approval of
initial Board of Directors for Nigig Nibi Ki-Win Gamik; notice to Ontario and Canada; and referendum vote on Nigig-Nibi-ki-win March 25, 2023
December 13, 2022
January 11 -1 3, 2023
Community Retreat and Consultation
January 11 -1 3, 2023
January 31 - February 9, 2023
Citizen Engagement Sessions - World Cafe
January 31 - February 9, 2023
March 25, 2023
Referendum Vote on Nigig Nibi Ki Win
March 25, 2023
April 19th, 2023
Notice to Ontario and Canada
April 19th, 2023
November 1, 2023
Capital CHRT 41 Build Presentation
November 1, 2023
April 19, 2024
Nigig Nibi Ki-win Gamik Law comes into effect
April 19, 2024