Anishinabek Nation appoints children’s commissioner

Tuesday, November 5th, 2019 3:50pm

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Ogimaa (chief) Duke Peltier. Photo by Laura Barrios.

Summary

“Every child and youth deserves to feel safe and cared for, free from abuse and connected to their culture, families and communities.” —Grand Council Chief Glen Hare

Ogimaa (chief) Duke Peltier has been appointed the new Anishinabek Nation Children’s Commissioner.

In this new role, 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.

The appointment was announced on Nov. 5, Day One of the Anishinabek Nation Fall Assembly held at Chippewas of the Thames First Nation.

“We need to continue expanding many of the prevention services,” said the leader.  “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.”

To date, 21 Anishinabek First Nations have chosen to enact the law, an exercise of their inherent right and jurisdiction over child and youth well-being, and child welfare.

“Every child and youth deserves to feel safe and cared for, free from abuse and connected to their culture, families and communities,” said Grand Council Chief Glen Hare. “It is our duty to ensure the well-being of our people.”

He said the appointment was “awesome for our kids.”

The Anishinabek Nation is a political advocate for 40 member First Nations across Ontario, representing about 65,000 citizens.