Who We Are

• We are the People of Anishinaabe Park
• We are the People of Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong First Nations who fought for the right to be compensated when Minimata Disease/Mercury poisoning corrupted the English River water system
• We had the first community (Wabaseemoong Independent Nation) to be a mandated children’s aid society on reserve in the province of Ontario (1991-1994)
• Prevention Services program began in Treaty #3 in 1986
• Elders within Treaty 3 were instrumental in the establishment of the Residential School acknowledgement and compensation
• Treaty 3 has maintained an aboriginal alternative to the mainstream practice of child welfare since 1991 with the formation of  Ojibway Tribal Family Services
• Anishinaabe Abinoojii Family Services and Weechiittewin Family Services are seen provincially and nationally as progressive First Nation child welfare advocates

The Seven statements or “Giikomoonun” (sacred teachings) provide the basis for the manner in which all anishinaabe People conduct themselves in an unconditional and positive regard, and provides the basis for our services.  The foundation of the Giikomoonun is the sacrosanct value of “Bimmaatiziwin” (maintaining life) and the quest for “Gishewaatisiwin” (leading a sacred life or living life on the Red Road) and in accordance to the Giikomoonun are:

• Wisdom (Nibwaakaawin)
• Love (Zaagiidiwn)
• Respect (Gitchinendadiwin)
• Bravery (Zoongindewin)
• Honesty (Gowekaadiziwin)
• Humility (Disasadendamoowin)
• Truth (Tebwewin)

We are currently mandated thru the province and our collective Chiefs to provide child welfare services to five communities and prevention services to fourteen First Nations in Treaty #3 northern territory.  Our brother agency to the south, Weechiittewin Family Services provides the same service provision to fourteen First Nations in the southern territory.

Additionally we carry Service Agreements with Kenora-Rainy River Districts Child and Family Services for 6 First Nations in Treaty #3 north, as an alternative to mainstream service provision, until jurisdiction is officially transferred from the Province for all First Nations to be delivered services in a culturally safe manner.