Moose Cree First Nation announces the enactment of laws to support the well-being of our children, youth, and families

Press Release

November 14, 2024

MOOSE FACTORY, ON – Moose Cree First Nation is exercising its inherent jurisdiction in child and family services.

Moose Cree First Nation is pleased to announce the enactment of our law to support the well-being of our children, youth, and families, ᒨᓱ ᓰᐲ ᐧᐃ ᓕᓕᐧᐊᒃ ᐯ ᔭᑰᑌᓯᐧᐃ ᐧᐋᓚᔓᐧᐁ ᐧᐁ ᓐ Môso Sîpîwililiwak Peyakôtesiwi Walašowewin, as well as a companion law, ᑳ ᑭᔐᐧᐋᑎᓰᒋᒃ ᐧᐋᓚᔓᐧᐁᐧᐁᓐ Kâ Kišewâtisîcik Walašowewin, which supports its administration and enforcement by establishing an Elders Council as a dispute resolution body.

“Our laws come from the people. . . they carry forward principles that have been with us as Cree people for generations.”

“Our laws come from the people. . . they carry forward principles that have been with us as Cree people for generations.”
– Dr. Emily Faries

These laws were developed by the Moose Cree people, hundreds of whom participated in sessions to provide input. “Our laws come from the people,” said Dr. Emily Faries, who led many of those sessions, “and our laws are not really new; they carry forward principles that have been with us as Cree people for generations.”

Both laws were supported unanimously by Chief & Council in the summer, followed by a ratification process in which Moose Cree citizens cast their votes, which concluded successfully on November 13th. These are now laws of Moose Cree First Nation, though they are not yet in force. Chief & Council will choose when to bring them into force.

“This is a historic moment. Our work to reach this stage builds upon the work of so many… who have fought for our rights and for the well-being of our children.”
– Chief Peter Wesley

“This is a historic moment,” said Chief Peter Wesley. “Our work to reach this stage builds upon the work of so many who have gone before us. This is not only the work of our current leadership and current citizens, but also the work of our past leaders and all the grandmothers, grandfathers and ancestors from our community who have fought for our rights and for the well-being of our children.”

Moose Cree First Nation intends to begin negotiation of a Coordination Agreement with the federal and provincial governments to support the implementation of its laws. “We look forward to productive negotiations and the next stages ahead,” said Deputy Chief Warren Hardisty.

Contact:

Paul Chakasim, Communications Coordinator
(705) 269-2733 ext. 114
paul.chakasim@moosecree.com

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