In the Spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, Children’s Aid Society of Algoma acknowledges that we are gathered today on the customary and traditional lands of the Anishinaabe and Cree First Nations throughout Algoma.
We acknowledge the land, the first nation, metis and Inuit peoples and recognize and respect Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of this land and the lands of Canada. We acknowledge and respect the enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories from time immemorial.
Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services provides child welfare and prevention services to seven Anishinaabe First Nations communities represented by the North Shore Tribal Council located between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury, Ontario. These communities include Whitefish Lake, Sagamok Anishnawbek, Serpent River, Mississauga, Thessalon, Garden River and Batchewana.
The integration of tradition and culture is a key component of Nogdawindamin’s programming. To aid in integrating tradition and culture, Nogdawindamin receives guidance and support from their Elder’s Council. The Seven Sacred Teachings form the foundation for all aspects of service delivery for the agency. Respect, one of the seven teachings, is integrated into all aspects of service delivery. Inherent in the service delivery model is the importance of knowing Anishinawbe history, language and culture, and its connection to building a strong sense of identity and knowing one’s place in creation.
The trailblazing work of Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services is clearing a path for inspiring, ground-breaking work that helps, heals, and changes lives.
The Children’s Aid Society of Algoma is honoured to work alongside Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services.
If you or your child identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis, or having Indigenous heritage, please feel welcome to connect with Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services, who are an Indigenous child and family well-being agency providing culturally and spiritually appropriate services to Indigenous communities.
On June 6, 2017, the Ontario child welfare sector unanimously agreed to prioritize Reconciliation with Indigenous communities through nine key commitments. Each Children’s Aid Society (CAS) has committed to:
Reduce the number of Indigenous children in care.
Reduce the number of legal files involving Indigenous children and families.
Increase the use of formal customary care* agreements.
Ensure Indigenous representation and involvement at the local Board of Directors.
Implement mandatory Indigenous training for staff.
Change their inter-agency protocol to include Jordan’s Principle** as a fundamental principle.
In consultation with the Indigenous communities, develop a unique agency-based plan to better address the needs of the children and families from those communities.
Continue to develop relationships between their agency and the local Indigenous communities.
Assist those individuals wanting to see their historical files by accessing and providing the information they request.
*Customary care leaves the responsibility for the care of the child with the Indigenous community.
**Jordan’s Principle is a child-first principle aimed at ensuring that services to First Nations children are not denied, delayed, or disrupted due to jurisdictional disputes. The principle is named for Jordan River Anderson, a young boy from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba. Learn more here.
To read more about Truth and Reconciliation and the child welfare sector, please see the following resources.
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