SIOUX LOOKOUT – On Monday, February 29, Tikinagan Child and Family Services will sign a formal agreement with Kenora-Rainy River District Child and Family Services (KRRCFS) to serve band members from communities in Tikinagan’s service area who are residing in Kenora and surrounding area.
“This agreement is similar to what we have in place with KRRCFS for band members living in Sioux Lookout, Dryden, Ignace, Ear Falls and Red Lake,” explains Thelma Morris, Executive Director of Tikinagan Child and Family Services. “We have a very positive relationship with KRRCFS and know this new agreement will better serve First Nation families and children.”
The agreement is being signed in response to the growing number of child protection referrals for families from First Nation communities in Tikinagan’s service area who have relocated to Kenora region. KRRCFS and Tikinagan believe First Nation families will be best served by an Aboriginal child and family services agency.
There are also growing concerns with many advocates as to the child care services agreements. In some cases, like in Mishkeegogamang, the Band Council has established
As with other protocols in place with similar agreements, each agency will uphold their primary focus on the immediate safety and well-being of children, ensuring response to all calls. Should KRRCFS receive a call regarding a band member from one of the 30 First Nation communities in Tikinagan’s service area, the appropriate referral to Tikinagan will be made.
This agreement gives families access to culturally appropriate services and follows Tikinagan’s service model: Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin- everyone working together to raise our children.
“These agreements, or protocols, have been rolled out over the last 13 years as KRRCFS has worked with Tikinagan to ensure people from our communities are receiving culturally appropriate services in line with Aboriginal values and traditions,” says Morris. “This is very much tied into our service model, which was created by listening to First Nations and honouring the cultural traditions which are based around keeping children safe and supporting families at the community-level.”
The formal signing will take place on Monday, February 29, 2016 in Kenora, Ontario.
