Our latest podcast discusses a foundational aspect of Anishinaabe – Mno Bimaadziwin, The Good Life. Living a Good Life is central to Child Wellbeing. Anishinaabe children and families can only be truly healthy and whole if they follow principles of leading a Good Life. Koognaasewin supports North Shore communities in developing their Child Wellbeing Law that, as a foundational component, encourages and supports families in striving to model for their children what it means to lead The Good Life and to follow the traditional teachings that have always guided parents in raising healthy, happy children who will mature into strong, contributing members of their community.

A central aspect of the Draft Koognaasewin (Child Wellbeing) Law will be its foundation in Anishinaabe customs, laws and traditions of raising children. Koognaasewin’s recently published Anishinaabe Laws and Customs Research on Child Wellbeing report provides a rich historical overview of Anishinaabe peoples’ approaches to raising healthy, happy children.

Our previous podcast series focused on the roles and responsibilities of the different members of an Anishinaabe community. You listen and learn about the roles and responsibilities of groups such as family and extended family members, grandparents, elders, other community members and children themselves by visiting our Blog Page at: https://www.koognaasewin.com/podcasts

This next series of podcasts focuses on the institutions and organizations in Anishinaabe society that bring community members together to help address child and family issues and to work together to develop caring, supportive and connected-to-community solutions. Our initial discussion focuses on Ogimaakan shkode – Council Fires.

This podcast focuses on Anishinaabe traditions for this cold, wintery, time of year. The following are excerpts from the research report that touch on ceremony and traditional practices in winter. The Koognaasewin Team wants to take this opportunity to wish all of our children, families and North Shore communities a safe and happy holiday and a healthy new year!

Our latest podcast is the last in the series focusing on Decision-Makers – those who are responsible for making decision regarding the wellbeing of children (abinoojiinyag). This podcast discusses Individuals with Knowledge or Skills. These roles and responsibilities are outlined in our Anishinaabe Laws and Customs Research on Child Wellbeing report. To read more from the report, a Summary is available on our website at www.koognaasewin.com.

The Koognaasewin initiative continues to engage with and support North Shore First Nations as they move further along in drafting their Child Wellbeing Law. Koognaasewin seeks to further support this work by bringing forward the stories, wisdom, and guidance shared by North Shore Elders through the Anishinaabe Laws and Customs Research on Child Wellbeing. Our latest podcast highlights the different roles and responsibilities of members within Anishinaabe communities for raising and caring for children with a focus on Kina wiya – Extended Family and Community Members.

Our latest podcast discusses Aanjigone – Non-Interference. As you’re listening, consider the question: What are the broad underlying principles that should guide decision-making around Anishinaabe abinoojinyag (children)? Write down your thoughts on the topic and send them to us via a comment on our website or any of our social media channels.