The People of Tikinagan
Child and Family Services
Tikinagan Child and Family Services is a Native Children's
Aid Society providing child welfare, child protection and
child and family services to 30 First Nations in the western
portion of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), as well as Pickle
Lake, Savant Lake and Allanwater. The communities served range
from a few hundred to more than two thousand people; for much
of the year most communities are accessible only by air.
Through agreements with a local Children's Aid Society, Tikinagan
also provides services to Aboriginal children and families
in the Sioux Lookout and Red Lake areas.
Tikinagan was created by the NAN Chiefs to provide culturally
appropriate services in response to the unique needs of children
and families and in ways that acknowledge Native culture and
traditions, the concept of the extended family and the role
of the Chief and Council.
A tikinagan is the traditional cradleboard used to
keep infants safe and secure.
Maurice Brubacher
Maurice
Brubacher has worked with Tikinagan since 1998, helping develop
policies and procedures, programs, management systems and
a unique Native service model, called Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin.
From his experience as Executive Director of Family and Children's
Services in Guelph, Maurice has taught us about the Ontario
child welfare system. At the same time, he has listened intently,
visited our homes and learned about our culture. With his
help, we have found better ways to bridge the gap between
Toronto policies and the realities of life up north. We regard
him as an honourary member of the Tikinagan family.
We are pleased that Maurice has chosen to tell the story of
Tikinagan. He has written it as one of our own people, as
the true ally that he has become. Meegewetch, Maurice, for
all your work in service to our children.
Michael Hardy
Executive Director, Tikinagan Child and Family Services
"It sets the right example of what
community engagement in child welfare can look like."
Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director, First Nations
Child and Family Caring Society of Canada
