Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services has been designated as the province’s 13th Indigenous children’s aid society.
The official designation will enable it to provide culturally-based services and supports to more Indigenous children and families in Nipissing and Parry Sound, and Greater Sudbury.
A small ceremony was held this morning in Parry Sound beginning with opening prayer.
Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services will provide child and family services to six First Nations communities and to Indigenous children and families currently served by non-Indigenous societies.The designation is the result of years of collaboration between the province, Magnetawan First Nation, Wasauksing First Nation, Shawanaga First Nation, Henvey Inlet First Nation, Dokis First Nation and Wahnapitae First Nation.
“Indigenous children have rights to be cared for and advocated for in a way that protects and nurtures their identities and culture,” said Joanne Koehler, Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services Executive Director. “Our Chiefs, President, Board of Directors representing the First Nations, Elders, and staff strongly believe Indigenous children and families should be cared for and served by an Indigenous Agency with the capacity to delivery culturally congruent services.”
“It is integral that Indigenous children and youth in Nipissing receive the culturally-sensitive supports they need,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing.
Ten of Ontario’s 13 Indigenous children’s aid societies are located in the north while three are in southern Ontario. The Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services is one of 51 children’s aid societies across the province.
