Frequently Asked Questions

• Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak is the child and family wellbeing Law being developed by Henvey Inlet First Nation (HIFN).
• The Law will guide how HIFN cares for and supports our children, youth, and families.
• The Law will bring child and family services back in the hands of HIFN and replace services currently provided through Niijaansinaanik and the provincial government.
• The Law will be based on Anishinaabe values, HIFN traditions and what the HIFN community says is important.

• Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak Child and Family Wellbeing will be the community organization that supports HIFN children and families.
• It will provide community-based services and supports for children and caregivers.
• The Band Representative Program will become this new organization.

• HIFN will no longer rely on Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services to support its children and families.
• Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak Child and Family Wellbeing will support HIFN families.

No, this work is about HIFN building its own services and programs to support HIFN children and families on- and off-reserve.

Bill C-92, formally, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, is federal legislation that legally recognizes the right of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities to make and enforce their own child and family wellbeing laws. In response to Bill-C92, HIFN is drafting the Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak Law, which reflects our values, traditions, and ways of caring for children. The Law will focus on keeping families together, and making sure children stay connected to their culture, community, and family. While Bill C-92 sets the overall rules, the Law itself is developed by HIFN members to meet the needs of our community.

Ontario’s child welfare laws apply to all families in the province, but they may not reflect HIFN culture or values. The Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak Law is different because it is led by the community and focuses on keeping families together, preventing problems before they happen, and keeping children connected to Anishinaabe culture. It works alongside provincial laws but gives HIFN control to make decisions that honour our traditions, language, and community. The goal is to ensure children are safe, families are supported, and care is rooted in Anishinaabe teachings.

• HIFN wants a child and family support system that is designed by the community and reflects Anishinaabe values.
• For many years, outside systems made decisions about First Nations children.
• Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak allows HIFN to:
  • Make its own decisions Focus on prevention and supporting families earlier,
  • Keep children  connected to their culture and community, and
  • Provide services that work specifically for HIFN families.

• The HIFN community is creating the Law. Your voice helps decide what the Law and organization will look like.
• Community members are helping shape the law by sharing their ideas, knowledge, and experiences.

• For many years, outside systems made decisions about First Nations children. This has led to:
  • Children being removed from families,
  • Loss of culture and language, and
  • Families not getting the support they need.
• Creating our own Law means HIFN can decide what is best for our children and families.

If you need support relating to child and family wellbeing, reach out to Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak or HIFN’s Band Representative Program. Staff can provide guidance, advocacy, and culturally grounded support for families facing challenges or navigating child and family services. We can help you understand your rights, access resources, and connect with the right services. Families are supported in a safe, confidential way, and staff walk alongside you, helping children stay connected to family, community, and culture while making sure you get the help you need.

You can visit the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society Knowledge Portal. The portal has a database of information sheets, reports, guides, and studies about Indigenous children and families in Canada and abroad.

• The Law should reflect what the HIFN community believes is best for our children and this is why we need to hear from community members.
• You can get involved by:
  • Attending community engagement sessions,
  • Sharing your ideas and  experiences,
  • Talking with the project team, and
  • Providing feedback on drafts of the Law.

Check out our upcoming events: Upcoming Events