THUNDER BAY, ON – Dilico Anishinabek Family Care (Dilico) and Anishinaabe Abinoojii Family Services (Abinoojii) are pleased to announce the signing of a joint working protocol which will strengthen the working relationship between the agencies. This new beginning is within Dilico and Abinoojii two Customary Care Service Models in providing Anishinabek Child Welfare Services to all First Nations residing within each other’s service area. It is through this protocol that both agencies are committed to providing Anishinabek services to Children and Families that are culturally appropriate and recognizes the traditional territorial jurisdiction of each other Nations.
The signing of this joint working protocol represents a new era for Anishinabek Child Welfare; will ensure First Nations exercise their inherent right to care, plan and advocate for their children and community members.
A signing ceremony was held on Monday, November 23, 2015 at 11:30 am at the Dilico main office located on Fort William First Nation.
“We are honoured to be able to work with Anishinaabe Abinoojii Family Services in partnership to deliver a community based model to care for our children.” said Darcia Borg, Dilico’s Executive Director.
“We at Anishinabe Abinoojii are proud to be associated with Dilico Anishinabek Care under the leadership of Executive Director Darcia Borg and her staff. They are really trying to move the agency towards providing services in a cultural manner which supports families and communities under customary care.” said Theresa Stevens, Abinoojii’s Executive Director.
Abinoojii is a First Nation governed organization. It is the mission of Abinoojii to protect children and to heal and strengthen families through the provision of holistic, bi-cultural services that respect our Anishinaabe heritage, and that honours the values, customs and traditions of our People.
Dilico is a First Nation governed organization with an integrated continuum of service which is comprised of the following services which are all made available in different capacities that include Health, Mental Health and Addictions, and Child Welfare. Dilico’s Mikinaak Customary Care Service Model, services are culturally based with First Nations communities, families and extended families involved in ensuring a child’s safety and well-being.
