Nigig Nibi Ki-win: Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation’s Child Wellbeing Law | CPDonline.ca

Nigig Nibi Ki-win: Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation’s Child Wellbeing Law

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Credits
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: 0.75
45 minutes
Published
2025
Presenter(s)
Alexandra Freed
Katherine Hensel
Source
County of Carleton Law Association (CCLA)
Provider
CPDOnline.ca
Language
English
Length
45 minutes
Price
$209.00 plus tax
CCLA 34th Annual Institute of Family Law Conference

This presentation examines how the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation ratify the Ni Nibi Ki‑win Gamik Child Wellbeing Law and are reclaiming its inherent jurisdiction authority over children and family services through federal legislation that takes precedence over Ontario’s Child, Youth and Family Services Act. Alexandra Freed and Katherine Hensel analyse findings from the Caitlin Sampson inquest, outline culturally grounded dispute resolution via healing circles and grandparent tribunals, review coordination protocols with children’s aid societies and police, and showcase prevention services that centre extended family and community decision making.

Presenters

Alexandra Freed Executive Director

Alexandra Freed is a proud member of Kische Waskahikan (York Factory) First Nation, Treaty 5, Northeastern Manitoba. In supporting the Algonquins of
Pikwakanagan First Nation in the development, enactment, implementation, and operationalization of its child and family wellbeing law, Nigig Nibi Ki-win, Alexandra has led discussions regarding funding, capital infrastructure, staffing, program development, and service modelling and delivery for Indigenous child and family wellbeing. As Executive Director of Nigig Nibi Ki-win Gamik, Alexandra oversees its delivery of child and family services to Pikwakanagan children, youth, and families, in accordance with the responsibilities and obligations of the agency under Nigig Nibi Ki-win. Alexandra is currently pursuing a doctorate with Wilfrid Laurier University.

Katherine Hensel Legal Counsel

Katherine Hensel has built a diverse practice providing advice and acting in disputes concerning the assertion of inherent jurisdiction, Indigenous and treaty rights, the duty to consult, commercial matters, public inquiries, child welfare, and select criminal cases. Katherine speaks and teaches regularly at the request of law faculties, professional associations and regulatory bodies, First Nations and Tribal Councils, and served as an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law (2011-2019). She is the recipient of several awards for her innovative and passionate advocacy for human rights and the advancement of social justice, and in 2023, was named one of Canadian Lawyer's Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers. After eleven years of building and serving clients with Hensel Barristers, Katherine now practices as a partner at Fogler, Rubinoff LLP as part of its Indigenous Practice Department. Katherine is a citizen of the Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation.