KITCHENUHMAYKOOSIB INNINUWUG, ON – April 2, 2025 – Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) proudly celebrates the second anniversary of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Dibenjikewin Onaakonikewin (KIDO – pronounced “Key-dough”), a landmark moment in the Nation’s journey of reclaiming jurisdiction over the well-being of awaashishag (children), oshkaadizag (youth), and dibenjikewinan (families).
This special day is being honoured simultaneously across KIDO’s three service locations in KI, Thunder Bay, and Sioux Lookout, with the main event taking place in the Community Events Room (Gymnasium) at the KI Band Office.
The celebration begins at 10:00 a.m. CDT / 11:00 a.m. EDT and includes virtual participation through Zoom.
“Our children are a sacred gift from Kishe-Manidoo, our Creator,” shared Chief Donny Morris of KI. “Through KIDO, we are reclaiming our inherent responsibility to nurture them according to our traditional ways.” When KIDO first came into effect, Chief Morris firmly stated, “We are taking back how we are raising our children.”
KIDO embodies a culturally grounded, holistic approach to family wellness, guided by KI’s Miinikozowin—the Nation’s inherent power. Its work follows the Maamao Dibenjikewin Kanawaabajikewin (MDK) model, a traditional system of care that emphasizes the collective role of family and community in supporting children and youth during times of need. This approach prioritizes prevention, cultural empowerment, and the preservation of family unity through ancestral teachings.
Originally passed in November 2019 with a 97% community approval rate, KI’s Dibenjikewin Onaakonikewin (Family Law) stands as a shining example of Indigenous law in practice—one of the few across Canada that exercises full jurisdiction over child and family well-being.
Anniversary Celebration Details:
-
Date & Time: Wednesday, April 2, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. CDT / 11:00 a.m. EDT
-
Main Location: KI Band Office Community Events Room (Gymnasium), Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, ON
-
Additional Sites: KIDO offices in Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay;
KIDO Office Locations:
● Main Office: 1017 Nuhmaykoos Road, P.O. Box 214, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, ON P0V 1G0
● Thunder Bay Office: 1805 Arthur Street East, Thunder Bay, ON P7E 2R6
● Sioux Lookout Office: 50 Queen St., P.O. Box 69, Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1A1
-
Virtual Access: Zoom Link | Meeting ID: 869 0465 5490 | Passcode: 883752
All community members are warmly invited to join—either in person or virtually—as KI honours the strength of its families, the wisdom of its ancestors, and the sacred responsibility of nurturing future generations.
