Anishinabek families that are involved or at-risk of becoming involved in child protection matters can access support through the Anishinabek Nation Circle Process, a culturally-based, voluntary, child-centered, confidential circle, providing Anishinabek First Nation families with the support needed to create a plan that addresses child and youth well-being issues. This service is coordinated through Koganaawsawin, the central coordinating body of the Anishinabek Child, Youth, and Family Well-Being System.
Leanna Farr, in-house legal counsel with the Anishinabek Nation, explains how the Circle Process is meant to be a safe space and an alternative to mainstream courts and dispute resolution processes. Developed with the guidance of the Anishinabek Nation Child Well-Being Working Group, the Circle Process guiding principles and in-depth training are strongly rooted in our Anishinaabe culture.
This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.
Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers, and “Just Us” by Wolf Saga and David R. Maracle, licensed by Nagamo Publishing. “Easy Lemon” by Kevin MacLeod.
Click here to download the transcript:

https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/27y8j5qugcixweab/Ep21_Circle_Process_Farr_Transcript_FINAL_2025-03-24.pdf

Links and Resources:
Koganaawsawin – Anishinabek Nation Circle Process
https://www.koganaawsawin.ca/circleprocess
Anishinabek Child Well-Being Law
https://www.koganaawsawin.ca/childwellbeinglaw

Koganaawsawin – Child Well-Being Working Group

https://www.koganaawsawin.ca/cwbwg

An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families
https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/f-11.73/index.html

Koganaawsawin podcast series:
Advocating for Anishinabek Children and Youth - Duke Peltier, Anishinabek Nation Children’s Commissioner
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-fw6tb-176d4ae
Koganaawsawin with Stan Cloud, Director of Social Development and Koganaawsawin
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-va3m6-16e11ca