Original Dispute Resolution Symposium

March 26 & 27, 2008

Mnaasged Child & Family Services created a welcome opportunity to listen and share ideas about Original Dispute Resolution for child protection cases in First Nations communities in Southwestern Ontario. This two-day symposium was a collaboration of Mnaasged Child & Family Services and ADR-LINK of the Centre for Children & Families in the Justice System, funded by the Ministry of Children & Youth Services. This symposium was the first step of a journey toward developing First Nations ADR/Original Dispute Resolution as contemplated by the Child & Family Services Act of Ontario. The symposium affirmed the positive work already being done, stimulated new ideas, and investigated several models for for how ODR in the Native Child Welfare sector will begin to look like.

AGENDA FOR DAY 1:

Traditional Prayer and Ceremony * Drum Group * Opening Remarks from Chief Vaughan Albert Sr. and Maxine Albert * Overview provided by Carrie Tabobondung and Sue Doxtator of Mnaasged * Presentation on Family Group Conferencing by Kristen Basque of Mi'kmaw Family & Children's Services, Nova Scotia * Presentation by Ellaree Metz of Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services, Thunder Bay * Opportunity for Small Group Discussion * Evening Dinner and Social

AGENDA FOR DAY 2:

Elders Panel * Small Group Reflection of Elders Panel * Bob Antone, KiiKeeWanKiikann Healing Lodge * Summary of the 2 Days by Jessica Hill * Wrap up by Carrie Tabobondung: What we Heard and What we Will Take With us on Our Journey to 2011 * Closing Prayer

LOCATION: Chippewas of the Thames Community Centre, 328 Chippewa Road, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Muncey Ontario.

This was a unique opportunity for elders, leadership, helpers and service providers to come together for two days of learning, discussion and networking. A DVD of the two-day event is currently under production.

A travelling song closed the two-day symposium in March of 2008.