Saskatchewan Family and Community Institute

Annual Report 2013-14 Contents

Overview of the First Nations 1 Family and Community Institute Inc.

Message from the Board Chair 2

Executive Director’s Report 3

Staff 4

Board of Directors 5

Research Advisory Committee 7

Year in Review 8

Financial Statements 17

First Nations Child and Family Services Agencies 28

First Nations Group Homes 31 Overview of the Saskatchewan First Nations Family and Community Institute Inc.

The Saskatchewan First Nations Family and collaborations addressing research, policy and Community Institute Inc. (commonly referred to standards development, along with training and as SFNFCI or the Institute) is based in , professional development opportunities in First Saskatchewan. The Institute was formed in June Nations Child Welfare. The Institute is not a front- 2007 under The Non-Profit Corporation Act of line agency that works directly in child prevention Saskatchewan. and protection.

The Institute is a non-profit that provides The Institute receives funding from the professional services to First Nations Child and Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services and Family Services Agencies and First Nations Group Saskatchewan office for Aboriginal Affairs and Homes. We work with a number of stakeholder Northern Development . groups as a result of strategic partnerships and

Vision:

“Excellence in Child and Family Services based on First Nations Culture, Traditions and Knowledge.”

Mission Statement:

“The Institute will conduct research, deliver training and develop policies and best practice standards to support First Nations Child and Family Service Agencies in Saskatchewan.”

The Institute activities support capacity among all stakeholders. Our activities also help to building for First Nations Child Welfare in provide a general awareness and understanding Saskatchewan and aims to build strategic of First Nations culture, tradition, history and partnerships and collaborations. We work toward knowledge within Child Welfare and impacts creating and maintaining positive working on Child Welfare. relationships in Saskatchewan Child Welfare

1 Message from the Board Chair

It doesn’t feel like one year has gone by I want to since our last Annual General Meeting but acknowledge our major the Saskatchewan First Nations Family and funders, Ministry of Community Institute has made significant progress Social Services and in completing work that had been outstanding. Aboriginal Affairs and This has been a direct result of the excellent Northern Development leadership skills that Tischa has brought to the Canada in their willingness to work with us to Institute and the cooperation of the rest of the staff. implement new initiatives. Their willingness Without their dedication and commitment, none to partner to make new initiatives possible is of this would have been possible. I thank them for appreciated and will be beneficial to all agencies. their perseverance and patience as they continued One of the new initiatives has been the SDM to work diligently to get projects done. position which has been successful leading to the plan to create a second position. Another new The Institute strategic priorities established by initiative underway and in discussion phase is the the Board of Directors have also been instrumental Policy Coordinator/Liaison position. These new in setting a clear path for the staff. I am pleased projects will no doubt be very beneficial for all to see an increase in the active participation of agencies. I want to thank the Ministry of Social agencies in work underway at the Institute as the Services and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Institute is intended to be a support to agencies. Development Canada for their support. Without the active involvement of agencies the projects cannot be successful. I thank each of This report provides members and our funders the members of the Institute for their improved with progress since our last Annual General participation with the Institute projects. Assembly in 2013.

Regards, Marlene Bugler, Board Chair

2 Executive Director’s Report

Culture is an important foundation for aimed at maximizing our organization. The organizational culture allocated budgets at the Saskatchewan First Nations Family and while maintaining high Community Institute inspires us to continually quality outputs. build, grow, connect, to improve our services The staff adopted to our members and stakeholders every day. a flexible approach with communication in Recognizing First Nations culture, values and obtaining feedback for planning, implementing knowledge is the Institute’s distinctive value- and evaluating meetings and training sessions to added position in Child Welfare. Keeping in mind demonstrate responsiveness to member needs and our distinctive position, the staff goals and team expectations. The Institute implemented its first values include being productive, empowering, member and stakeholder survey to also help with effective, and responsive in our services to our creating a member-centered approach to future members and stakeholders. planning. The Institute also hosted a member Tremendous effort was placed into meeting in March 2014 which was valuable coordinating timelines to ensure that the activities in validating and discussing the needs of our funded by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern membership. An action plan has been developed Development Canada, and the Saskatchewan from the key findings and recommendations and Ministry of Social Services were completed while these tasks will be communicated in the ongoing maintaining high-quality output standards. The newsletters and meeting forums coordinated by results of this productivity are provided under the the Institute. Research, Standards and Policy Initiatives, Training The Institute continues to identify & Professional Development Initiatives, and the opportunities for strategic partnerships and Strategic Collaborations. collaborations as a way to continue building The research and professional development capacity to serve our members and stakeholders. activities were positioned to empower First I would like to thank our Elder Ken Nations Child and Family Service Agencies and Seesequasis, the Institute Employees, Board of First Nations Group Home employees to increase Directors, Research Advisory Committee Members, their participation and have their voices heard Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development while building operational capacity in the research Canada and the Ministry of Social Services for and professional development working groups. their continued support to make the Saskatchewan A direct result of empowerment is the increased First Nations Family and Community Institute a confidence in First Nations Child Welfare workers’ successful professional services provider for First knowledge, skills and abilities of participation. Nations Child Welfare. The staff aimed at being effective in working Respectfully, toward producing the desired results in supporting Tischa Stefanowski, B.Comm the mandate of the approved funded activities. Executive Director Many internal procedures have been developed

3 Institute Employees

Tischa Stefanowski, Shelley Thomas Prokop, Executive Director Policy Analyst Tischa is a member of Sturgeon Shelley is a member of Beardy’s Lake First Nation and has been & Okemasis First Nation and employed with the Institute since has been employed with the April 2013. Tischa works closely Institute since November 2012. with the Board of Directors in defining the strategic Shelley had provided contract work for the Institute plan for the Institute. Tischa works with the staff to prior to her employment. Shelley works with a implement the strategic priorities as part of the day- Research Advisory Committee to help build the to-day operations in a cost-effective and time-efficient ethical framework and guidelines for research manner keeping in mind First Nations knowledge activities that benefit First Nations Child Welfare. The and values in the Institute’s business model. research activities gathered on First Nations Child Welfare standards, along with identified gaps and/ Karen Chamakese, Executive or opportunities help to provide evidence-based Assistant/Finance Officer and timely information on trends and needs in First Karen is a member of Pelican Nations Child Welfare. The findings of these activities Lake First Nation and has been and ongoing reviews of Child Welfare standards help employed with the Institute to provide an opportunity for First Nations voices in since March 2008. Karen making improvements to practices in Saskatchewan provides support services to all staff and the Board Child Welfare. of Directors. Karen also assists with all finance and payroll transactions and is well known as the Laura Hicks, SDM Consultant Institute’s information technology guru. Laura is Metis with roots from Portage La Prairie, Dean Weenie, Training & but grew up in Marquis, Development Coordinator Saskatchewan. Laura has been Dean is a member of Poundmaker employed with the Institute since First Nation and has been December 2013. Her role as SDM Consultant is to employed with the Institute provide assessment and on-site support for Child since June 2012. Dean works and Family Agencies implementing the Structured with stakeholder groups to plan, coordinate and Decision Making (SDM) tool. Laura works closely implement joint meetings and learning sessions with the Ministry of Social Services First Nations to address First Nations Child Welfare programs and Metis Services Unit, Ministry of Social Services and service delivery. Dean also works closely with Provincial Training Team and the Children’s Research Shelley, the Institute’s Policy Analyst, along with Center to help identify implementation, and on-going other members and stakeholder groups to identify support for First Nations Child and Family Services timely professional development training sessions Agencies for SDM roll out. that help to build capacity for First Nations Child and Family Service Agencies and First Nations Group Homes.

4 Board of Directors

There are nine elected board members that govern the Saskatchewan First Nations Family and Community Institute Inc. All nine are Executive Directors representing First Nations Child and Family Services Agencies in Saskatchewan. The following Board of Directors members were elected staggered terms at the Annual General Meeting on August 29, 2013:

Gladys Blackstar, Agency Chiefs Child & Family Dexter Kinequon, Lac La Ronge Services Inc. Indian Band Child & Family Gladys has served on the board Services Inc. from 2011-13. Agency Chiefs serves Dexter first served on the board three First Nation communities in 2008, and again as a member in in north central Saskatchewan. Gladys has been the 2011-13. Dexter has been the Executive Director of Lac Executive Director at Agency Chiefs Child & Family La Ronge Child and Family Services for 14 years; the Services for six years. Gladys was elected for a three- Agency serves six Northern First Nation communities year term at the August 29, 2013 Annual General and provides services off reserve to the town of La Meeting. Ronge. Dexter was elected for a three-year term at the August 29, 2013 Annual General Meeting. Yvonne Wolverine, Athabasca Denesuline Child & Family Rhea Crane, Nechapanuk Services Inc. Centre Child & Family Yvonne has been on the board Services Inc. since the opening of the Institute Rhea has served on the board in 2008. Yvonne has been an Executive Director 2008-2010 and 2011-13. Rhea has for seven years with Athabasca Child and Family been the Executive Director of Services; serving three northern communities. Nechapanuk for 12 years; the Agency services three Yvonne was elected for a three-year term at the Northern First Nations communities. Rhea was August 29, 2013 Annual General Meeting. elected for a one-year term at the August 29, 2013 Annual General Meeting. Marlene Bugler, Kanaweyimik Child & Family Services Inc. Vera Sayese, Peter Ballantyne Marlene served one year on the Child & Family Services Inc. board for the 2012-13 year. Marlene Vera has been on the board since has been the Executive Director the opening of the Institute in of Kanaweyimik for two years; the Agency serves 2008. Vera has been an Executive five First Nations communities. Marlene was elected Director for 18 years at Peter for a three-year term at the August 29, 2013 Annual Ballantyne; serving eight northern First Nations General Meeting. communities. Vera was elected for a three-year term at the August 29, 2013 Annual General Meeting.

5 Darlene Rediron, The Board elected an Executive Committee Meadow Lake Tribal Council consisting of: Health and Social Development Board Chair: Authority Inc. Marlene Bugler, Kanaweyimik Child & Family Darlene was elected for a one- Services Inc. year term at the August 29, 2013 Annual General Meeting; this is her first time serving Vice Chairperson: on the Board of Directors. Darlene has been Executive Vera Sayese, Peter Ballantyne Child and Family Director for one year at Meadow Lake Tribal Services Inc. Council Health and Social Development Authority Treasurer: Inc. The agency serves nine northern First Nations Dexter Kinequon, communities. Child & Family Services Inc.

Elder Ken Seesequasis continues to serve as Derald Dubois, Touchwood Board Elder and was appointed to this position in Child & Family Services Inc. November 2012. Derald has served on the board in 2008-2010 and 2011-13. Touchwood Child and Family Services six First Nations communities in south Board Meetings for 2013-14 central Saskatchewan; he has been the Executive Director for 20 years. Derald was elected for a Meetings were in Saskatoon on the following one-year term at the August 29, 2013 Annual dates for the 2013-14 fiscal year: General Meeting. April 15, 2013 – Via Conference Call May 14, 2013 Raymond Shingoose, June 18, 2013 Tribal Council Child & Family July 31, 2013 Services Inc. August 29, 2013 Raymond has been on the board September 25, 2013 since the opening of the Institute October 17, 2013 in 2008. He has been the Executive November 19, 2013 – Via Conference Call Director of the Yorkton Tribal Council Child and Family Services for 18 years, servicing 16 First December 12, 2013 Nations communities in southern Saskatchewan. March 6, 2014 Raymond was elected for a one-year term at the August 29, 2013 Annual General Meeting.

6 Member Meetings Directors were in attendance for this meeting. The In addition to the Annual General Meeting, meeting was successful resulting in an engaged the Institute Staff hosted a Member Meeting on discussion about readiness, priority, urgency March 5, 2014. The Executive Directors of the First and relevance for agency participation in the Nations Child and Family Service Agencies were 2014-15 proposed activities. The members also invited to provide feedback on proposed 2014- identified opportunities for additional support 15 activities the Institute was planning to seek and professional development required to build funding for. capacity for First Nations Child and Family Service Agencies to the Institute staff for long-term Elder Ken Seesequasis and 14 of the 16 member planning and budgeting considerations. Child and Family Service Agency Executive

Research Advisory Committee

The Research Advisory committee began in the committee, ensuring First Nations traditional January 2013. The five-person committee has practice is the foundation of the committee developed a terms of reference that is set up to development, and for all the children, youth and support and drive the development of the research families in care. and policy unit of the Institute. In the 2013-14 Institute employee Shelley Thomas Prokop, fiscal year the committee held seven meetings that Policy Analyst coordinates the Research focused on the development of research ethics, Advisory Committee. Members include: Elder research agenda, and support to research projects. AJ Felix, Sturgeon Lake First Nation; H. Monty The committee is very committed to the Institute Montgomery, Univeristy of Regina, Faculty of and has an 80 per cent attendance rate. Social Work; Warren Seesequasis, Executive The committee also attended a winter sweat Director, Montreal Lake, Child and Family ceremony hosted by Elder AJ Felix. The sweat Services; and Maggie Kovach, University of was held as a means to assist in the visioning of Saskatchewan, Faculty of Education.

7 Year in Review

The Institute 2011-2016 strategic plan identifies three core areas of business. These core areas are: Research, Policy and Standards Development, Training and Professional Development and Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations.

This past year we further aligned our planned activities to the strategic core areas of business and worked at building culturally relevant practices reflecting First Nations culture, values, traditions and knowledge into each activity where possible. Year in Review Research, Policy and Standards Development

The policy and research department works towards providing ethical practices that reflect the traditions and culture of our membership and develop research capacity with membership identified projects. The The Institute 2011-2016 strategic plan identifies three core areas of business. department focuses on reviewing current policy and assisting in the development of relevant standards to guide practice in the First Nations child and family service agencies and the First Nations group homes. These core areas are: Research, Policy and Standards Development, The department is guided by a research advisory committee that provides direction on research ethics, Training and Professional Development and Strategic Partnerships and practice, and projects.

Collaborations. All projects within the department are guided by working committees that include the Institute membership agency representatives, relevant child welfare stakeholders and most importantly an Elder. This past year we further aligned our planned activities to the strategic Culturally Relevant Practice Member Survey core areas of business and worked at building culturally relevant practices The Institute was very interested in assessing The study was developed to better understand the overall awareness of the Institute and its reflecting First Nations culture, values, traditions and knowledge into each the culturally-relevant practices used in each of services by its member First Nations Child and the First Nations child and family service agencies. activity where possible. Family Service Agencies, and Group Home staff. Eleven agencies participated in the project. The Institute was seeking input and direction from The research department was delayed due member agencies’ staff to ensure that they are to scheduling conflicts, hence, data analysis was aware of Institute operations, as well its mission, deferred to the 2014-15 fiscal year. values, and directions. The Institute contracted Raven Sinclair Consulting to create and implement the first Member Survey. The contractor created a survey in collaboration with Institute staff. The survey was implemented electronically and at five Institute-hosted events. The contractor received 81 completed surveys. The results of the member survey have created a baseline of information for the Institute. The key findings and recommendations are most useful for the Institute Board of Directors and staff to use and work with going forward. The report is being used as an internal working document.

9 Customary Standards of Care Review Committee: Back row L-R: Shelley Thomas Prokop, SFNFCI Policy Analyst Institute; Misty Whitstone, Manager Onion Lake Child Youth Care Home; Diane Knight, Co-director PAGC CCEC; Rosanna Good, Manager Athabasca Denesuline Group Home; Delphine Morin, Asikwanehk Youth Lodge; Gladys Blackstar, Executive Director Agency Chiefs Child and Family Services. Front row L-R: Leona Sorenson, Co-director PAGC CCEC; Elder Rose Atimoyoo; Richard Yachiw, Ministry of Social Services. Missing: Trudy Shingoose, 4 Directions Child and Family Services Stabilization & Assessment Centre; Melissa Beatty, Peter Ballantyne Child & Family Services; Larry Whitehawk and Debbie Shingoose, Pi Kiwek Cote Group Home Inc.

Customary Standards of Care Review FNGH Core Competencies

The Customary Standards of Care was The First Nations Group Home Network, originally completed in 2009 and received coordinated by the Institute, identified the need approval from the FSIN Chiefs Assembly for training First Nations group home workers. February 2011. A letter of equivalency from An adhoc working committee of 11 people the Ministry of Social Services was received was developed: First Nations Group Home in October 2013. The review was prompted by representatives and a representative from the changes to provincial policy and the need to Ministry of Social Services. In June 2013 the group keep the standards current and applicable in identified eight core competencies that focused the field. The review committee developed its on the skill development of the workers to better terms of reference and review process in June serve the children and youth in their group 2013 and hosted six meetings to complete the homes. The core competencies included: rights of review in February 2014. The working committee children; crisis management; child and adolescent consisted of 13 people: Managers and Executive development; child protection overview; culture; Directors from First Nations group homes as basic individual counselling and communications; well as representation from the Ministry of Social documentation; and management training. The Services. There was a three per cent change to the working committee held six meetings to further entire document that reflected mostly provincial develop the outlines of the competencies. The policy updates and the addition of child/youth Institute contracted the Saskatchewan Indian feedback standard on decisions and programs Institute of Technologies to develop the curriculum that affect them. for pilot delivery in the fall 2014 to 16 First Nations group homes workers.

“I really appreciate what the Sask. F.N. Institute does and what it means to our centre. The manual for F.N. Group Homes is excellent and that was achieved through the dedication of the institute to organize the many meetings it took to complete.”

Leona Sorenson, Co-director, Child Care & Education Centre (PAGC), Prince Albert, Sask.

10 Transition Planning for Youth Aging Out

The Institute hosted a meeting of 21 “The sessions that I have been able to stakeholders on February 26, 2014 to discuss attend have been valuable knowledge and develop a working project committee. building and strong networking The committee is responsible for guiding the experiences for myself and in turn SYICCN development of a resource for First Nations child as an organization.“ and family service agencies to prepare youth aging “Being able to add the youth voice to out of care with the necessary skills and knowledge the SFNCFI’s current project is pivotal in to make a successful transition. The working group ensuring that young people’s voices and is comprised of fourteen experts and stakeholders perspectives are heard in the education in the field of child and youth welfare, life skills and planning processes that inform the and a youth, caregiver and Elder. procedures/tools workers will implement Due to conflicts in stakeholder schedules the in case planning for transitioning out of implementation of this activity and committee care. Having the ability to assist in the formation was started in the fourth quarter of 2013- planning, direction and development 14, hence the project will be completed in 2014-15. of this project and the intended final product—a transitioning resource manual for social workers from FN agencies across the province—has been a pleasurable, respectful, collaborative and informative experience that we are pleased to take part in.”

Stephanie Bustamante, Executive Director, Saskatchewan Youth in Care & Custody Network Inc. (SYICCN), Regina, Sask.

11 Training and Professional Development

The Training & Development department aims to provide the most relevant and up-to-date information and material to First Nations Child and Family Services and First Nations Group Homes. This knowledge transfer is done at applicable trainings, meetings and events with feedback and evaluations also gathered as a way of informing the Institute on future training and development interests as well as changing trends in child welfare.

Operational Standards Phase I Operational Standards Phase II

Phase I of this project focused on the This project brought those Human Resources development of a general policy in the areas of and Finance specialists from the various First Finance as well as Human Resources with the Nations Child and Family Services and First intention that First Nations Child and Family Nations Group Homes who participated in Phase I Services agencies and First Nations Group Homes of this project back to the table and created working would then be able to use the document and then groups within each specialty to develop procedures tailor it to their individual needs. and templates that would align to a corresponding policy. Twenty-two participants from 12 First For Human Resources, the Institute contracted Nations Child and Family Services agencies and Meyers Norris Penny (MNP) to facilitate two First Nations Group Homes participated in meetings and lead the discussion with HR these sessions. specialists within the First Nations Child and Family Services agencies and First Nations Group Homes on the detailed information that would need to be developed into this policy. Thirty- six participants from 12 First Nations Child and Family Services agencies and five First Nations Group Homes participated in these sessions.

For Finance, the Institute contracted Dean Staff, PriceWaterhouseCoopers to facilitate two meetings and lead the discussion with Finance Is there a caption for this photo? specialists within the First Nations Child and Human Resources Policy Forum participants: L-R: Virginia Family Services agencies and First Nations Group Ledoux, Ahtahkakoop Child and Family Services; Cheryl Homes on the detailed information that would Sanderson, Ahtahkakoop Child and Family Services; and Bernice Aubichon, Meadow Lake Tribal Council Health and need to be developed into this policy. Twenty- Social Development Authority Inc. two participants from 12 First Nations Child and Family Services agencies and First Nations Group Homes participated in these sessions.

12 Board Training TCI Recertification

The Institute hosted and coordinated board Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training sessions for First Nations Child and Recertification Training was provided to 20 Family Services and First Nations Group Homes First Nations Group Homes and the Ministry of Boards of Directors. Currently the curriculum Social Services Community-Based Organizations offered is an introduction to being on a board employees. In order to provide the most called Basic Board Training. For those who have current and relevant information on therapeutic completed basic board training, they would crisis intervention, trainers continually need then move on to Advanced Board Training. Each to recertify their status as trainers every two training is delivered to develop board governance years. This training took place in February 2014 capacities within the First Nations Child and and was provided by Safeguards Training for Family Services Agencies and First Nations Group Children and Adult Services, Toronto, Ont. Homes. The Institute contracted specialists within their respective fields to facilitate basic board “The information/content was relevant and training and advanced board training. delivered in a way that not only made it For Basic Board Training, the Institute easy to understand, but was also fun and contracted the services of Reginald Bugler to meaningful. The trainers were great. Very provide facilitation services using the Institute’s motivated and encouraging.” Board of Directors Training Manual. This training Bradley Endicott; Program Manager, Ranch took place in September 2013 with six First Nations Ehrlo Society, Regina, Sask. Child and Family Services Agencies and one First Nations Group Home in attendance. There were a total of 30 participants in this session.

The Advanced Board Training included specific areas of focus which would enhance board members’ ability to govern their respective child and family services agency or group home. The Institute contracted the services of Leanne Nyirfa of Strategic Communications Counsel to provide Media Relations Training, and Chris Woodland and Robert Frost-Hinz of MacPherson Leslie & Tyerman LLP to provide Contractual Obligations, Labour Relations, Legal Liabilities and By-Laws. The total number of participants for advanced board training was 62, with eight agencies and four group homes represented.

13 Agency & Group Home Accreditation Project Lateral Violence Training for Trainers

The Institute entered into an agreement A Lateral Violence Train the Trainer session with the Commission on the Accreditation of took place in October 2013 in Saskatoon. Neil Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) Canada to assist Burrows and Joanne Mills of First Health Solutions the First Nations Child and Family Services were contracted to provide facilitation for this train Agencies and First Nations Group Homes to the trainer session. Participation for this training determine their readiness to enter a process of came from four First Nations Women’s Shelters, accreditation. Telephone consultations were three First Nations Child and Family Services the original method of information sharing and and three First Nations Group Homes. A total of knowledge transfer between CARF Canada and 18 people participated in this four-day training the individual agencies and group homes but session. All 18 participants received certification and are now in a position to provide training in was delayed due to demanding schedules for the their workplaces on lateral violence issues and agencies and group homes. The Institute board concerns. deemed that if this project were to be a success, then in-person sessions would be more beneficial. Structured Decision Making (SDM) Three accreditation readiness sessions took Implementation Support for First Nation place in 2013-14 which provided information with Child and Family Services Agencies costs associated with preparation, a walk-through The Institute SDM Consultant has partnered on the accreditation process and identifying gaps with the Ministry of Social Services Training Team of where the agencies and group homes need to be and the Ministry of Social Services First Nations when they begin the accreditation process. and Metis Services Unit. A joint meeting was The dates and locations of the sessions were: held with all parties in March to outline roles and responsibilities and outline what supports are 1) October 2013, available for the First Nations Child and Family 2) November 2013, Prince Albert Services Agencies with SDM implementation and 3) January 2014, Yorkton ongoing support.

Peter Ballantyne Child and Family Services SDM implementation support was offered received a three-year accreditation status from to two First Nations Child and Family Services CARF Canada in 2013-14. Agencies between January and March 31. This support will be ongoing into the next fiscal year. Training plans were developed for the agencies that include onsite implementation support. One agency had fully implemented all six SDM tools. The other agency has successfully implemented the SDM Intake Assessment. The remaining tools will be implemented in June 2014.

The Institute will continue to support the First Nations Child and Family Service Agencies in SDM implementation planning, training, application, and ongoing quality assurance mechanisms.

14 Strategic Partnerships

At the Institute we believe that meaningful partnerships are the foundation for success. Working together and sharing knowledge, skills, and resources help to build capacity and ultimately improvements in the services provided to First Nations children and families in Saskatchewan.

Supervisors Forum A joint supervisors’ forum was held between the Ministry of Social Services supervisors and The objective of the supervisors’ forums the First Nations Child and Family Services is to strengthen supervisory skills and build supervisors in December 2013 in Saskatoon. This supervision capacity with the First Nations Child forum brought supervisors together to network and Family Services Agency supervisors. The and share innovative ideas on the Cultural Institute hosted two First Nations Child and Connectedness & Annual Review, presentations Family Services supervisors’ forums in June 2013 on new and/or existing prevention programming, and September 2013. recruitment and retention strategy on the Parental A session for First Nations Child and Family Resources for Information, Development and Services supervisors took place in June 2013 where Education (PRIDE) and an update on the Child the information and knowledge transfer was on Welfare Transformation Legislative Review. the subject of Structured Decision Making. Forty- Ninety-six supervisors from both First Nations three First Nations Child and Family Services Child and Family Services and Ministry of Social supervisors participated in this event. Services attended this event.

In September 2013, another session of First Nations Child and Family Services supervisors took place where the subject matter was on registering children and youth for treaty status, self-care and options and recommendations on updating and revising current supervisors training provided by the Ministry of Social Services. Fourteen First Nations Child and Family Services supervisors participated in this event.

15 First Nations Group Homes, Stabilization & Cultural Gathering Assessment Management Network The Institute surveyed First Nations Child and The First Nations Group Home Network was Family Services Agencies to determine who may developed three years ago to create an opportunity have an interest in co-hosting this pilot project. for First Nations Group Home management to After a number of conversations, Montreal Lake gather and discuss common strengths, shared Child and Family Services Agency was selected challenges and trends. Each meeting the Institute to co-host the cultural gathering with the Institute is responsible for the coordination of the and the Ministry of Social Services North Service quarterly meetings, inviting an Elder, recording Region. notes, sending out notes, and following up Due to conflicts in schedules the on action items. The meetings are chaired by implementation of this activity was deferred to the a network member. The meeting agenda has 2014-15 fiscal year. some standing items including: round table; MSS report; training and development report; policy and research report; as well as additional items Foster Families Caregivers Conference when appropriate including training needs and 2013-14 accreditation. The Institute provided flow through funds Every year the network representatives from from Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development eight group homes and one from the Ministry of Canada to the First Nations Family Support Social Services review their terms of reference. Working Group to host “Empowering Our The committed group has moved onward with Caregivers” training gathering which was held on training projects that have improved the services May 21 – May 24, 2013, in Saskatoon. This annual to children and families residing in their group event provided an opportunity to further enhance homes. This past year, the network created two the role of foster parents/caregivers. adhoc committees, as outlined in the terms of reference, for two funded projects: Core Competencies and the Customary Standards of Care Review.

The group welcomed a newcomer in January 2014 with the opening of the Athabasca Denesuline Group Home in Black Lake, Sask.

“One amazing thing to add is the support First Nations group homes have for each other is good stuff.”

Misty Whitstone, Program Manager, Onion Lake Child and Youth Care Home, Onion Lake, Sask.

16 Networking Forum The central networking forum took place in The goal of the networking forums was to North Battleford, on January 21, 2014 with 145 strengthen the working relationship between the participants in attendance. Ministry of Social Services and First Nations Child and Family Services Agency staff resulting in a more coordinated and integrated effort to deliver “It’s important to keep the communication effective services to First Nations children, youth going with the Ministry of Social Services and families. as much as possible and to have a full Three networking forums were provided in understanding for the best interest of the three service regions throughout the province the child.” during the month of January 2014 to all levels of Joyce Starchief, Assistant Director, BTC Human staffing within child and family services between Services Corporation, North Battleford, Sask. the First Nations agencies and the Ministry of Social Services. The topics for discussion for all three networking forums shared the same The south networking forum took place in agenda format to ensure that every participant Regina, on January 23, 2014 with 140 participants benefited from the same information and activities in attendance. amongst one another. Agenda topics included a highlight on the Caring for Aboriginal Children Digital Curriculum, Inter-Provincial Case Transfer “It’s always good to have a refresher as to Protocol, Registering Children & Youth for Treaty why we’re here and why we do what we Status and hearing the voice of a youth who shared do. With 80 per cent of our children being their personal story of growing up in care. Aboriginal, it’s important to be reminded why it’s important for them to be proud of The north networking forum was held in where they come from, no matter what the Prince Albert, on January 30, 2014 with 120 circumstance.” participants in attendance. Kristy Paton, Child Protection Worker, Ministry of Social Services, Regina, Sask. “The info on registering children for status was excellent. It helped reinforce the importance of this step in children’s/ families’ lives and helped educate me in the process. I find this process overwhelming and intimidating, primarily due to fear of unknown. I will be better prepared to address/apply for status now.”

Kelley Baron, Child Protection Worker, Ministry of Social Services, Prince Albert, Sask.

17 Year in Review – Conclusion

The Institute strives to provide services and projects that reflect the needs of the membership and improve the overall services provided to First Nations children and families. Funding from the Ministry of Social Services focuses on activities aimed for capacity-building activities and overall infrastructure for First Nations child welfare policies, procedures and standards. Funding from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada focuses on activities that also build capacity in the area of training, professional development and operational standards.

The Institute thanks the Elders, Board of Directors, funders, staff, contracted service providers and activity participants for the contributions that made 2013-14 a success.

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 First Nations Child and Family Service Agencies and First Nations Group Homes

The Saskatchewan First Nations Family and Community Institute provides support services and capacity building for sixteen of the seventeen First Nations Child and Family Service Agencies in Saskatchewan and nine First Nations Group Homes.

30 First Nations Child and Family Service Agencies

Agency Chiefs Child and Family Services Inc. Lac La Ronge Indian Band Child and Family Services Executive Director: Gladys Blackstar Agency Inc. P.O. Box 329 Executive Director: Dexter Kinequon SK S0J 2M0 P.O. Box 1739 306-883-3345 La Ronge SK S0J 1L0 306-425-5511 Agency Chiefs Child and Family Services serve the following First Nations communities: , Pelican Lac La Ronge Child and Family Services serve the following Lake First Nation and Witchekan Lake First Nation. First Nations communities: Lac La Ronge Indian Band - La Ronge, Stanley Mission, Grandmother’s Bay, Hall Lake, Ahtahkakoop Child and Family Services Inc. Sucker River and Little Red River. Executive Director: Anita Ahenakew P.O. Box 10 Meadow Lake Tribal Council Health and Social Mont Nebo SK S0J 1X0 Development Authority Inc. 306-468-2520 Program Director: Darlene Rediron 8002 Flying Dust Reserve Ahtahkakoop Child and Family Services serve the following Meadow Lake SK S9X 1T8 First Nations communities: Ahtahkakoop First Nation. 306-236-8240

Athabasca Denesuline Child and Family Services Inc. Meadow Lake Tribal Council Child and Family Services serve (Yuthe Dene Sekwi Chu L A Koe Betsedi Inc.) the following First Nations communities: Birch Narrows Executive Director: Yvonne Wolverine Dene Nation, Buffalo River Dene Nation, Canoe Lake P.O. Box 189 Nation, Clearwater River Dene Nation, English River First Black Lake SK S0J 0H0 Nation, , Island Lake First Nation, 306-284-4915 Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation, and Waterhen Lake First Nation. Athabasca Denesuline Child and Family Services serve the following First Nations communities: Black Lake Denesuline Montreal Lake Child and Family Agency Inc. Nation, Fond du Lac Denesuline Nation, and Hatchet Lake Executive Director: Warren Seesequasis Denesuline Nation. P.O. Box 120 Montreal Lake SK S0J 1Y0 Battleford Tribal Council Human Services Corporation 306-663-5095 Child and Family Services Executive Director: Irene Tootoosis Montreal Lake Child and Family Services serve the following P.O. Box 1426 First Nations communities: Montreal Lake Cree Nation - North Battleford SK S9A 3M1 Montreal Lake and Little Red River. 306-445-4149 Nechapanuk Centre Child and Family Services Inc. BTC Child and Family Services serve the following First Executive Director: Rhea Crane Nations communities: , Lucky Man P.O. Box 207 First Nation, and Poundmaker First Nation. Red Earth SK S0E 1K0 306-768-2443 Kanaweyimik Child and Family Services Inc. Executive Director: Marlene Bugler Nechapanuk Child and Family Services serve the following P.O. Box 1270 First Nations communities: Red Earth Cree Nation, Shoal Battleford SK S0M 0E0 Lake Cree Nation, and Cumberland House Cree Nation. 306-445-3500

Kanaweyimik Child and Family Services serve the following First Nations communities: , Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head First Nation, Red Pheasant First Nation, First Nation, and .

31 Onion Lake Family Services Inc. Touchwood Child and Family Services Inc. Executive Director: Darlene Bodnariuk Executive Director: Derald Dubois P.O. Box 29 P.O. Box 446 Onion Lake SK S0M 2E0 SK S0A 3C0 306-344-4747 306-835-2152

Onion Lake Child and Family Services serve the following Touchwood Child and Family Services serve the following First Nations communities: . First Nations communities: , Fishing Lake First Nation, George Gordon First Nation, Kawacatoose Peter Ballantyne Child and Family Services Inc. First Nation, Muscowekwan First Nation and Pasqua First Executive Director: Vera Sayese Nation. P.O. Box 158 Prince Albert SK S6V 5R5 306-953-4410 Yorkton Tribal Council Child and Family Services Inc. PBC Child and Family Services serve the following First Executive Director: Raymond Shingoose Nations communities: Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation – Amisk, 21 Bradbrooke Drive Deschambault Lake, Kinoosao, Pelican Narrows, Prince Yorkton SK S3N 3R1 Albert, Sandy Bay, South End and Sturgeon Landing. 306-782-8838

Qu’Appelle Beardy’s & Okemasis Child and Family Yorkton Tribal Council Child and Family Services serve the Services Inc. following First Nations communities: Cote First Nation, Executive Director: Lois Isnana , Key First Nation, Cowessess First P.O. Box 753 Nation, Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Sakimay First Nation, Fort Qu’Appelle SK S0G 1S0 Ochapowace First Nation, Carry the Kettle First Nation, 306-332-4655 Little Black Bear’s Band, , Pheasant Rump First Nation, White Bear First Nation, Peepeekisis Qu’Appelle Beardy’s & Okemasis Child and Family Cree Nation, Starblanket Cree Nation, Services serve the following First Nations communities: and Nekaneet First Nation. Muscowpetung First Nation, Standing Buffalo Dakota First Nation, Wood Mountain First Nation and Beardy’s and Wahkotowin Child and Family Services Inc. Okemasis First Nation. Executive Director: Joan Constant P.O. Box 70 * Health and Family Services Inc. Kinistino SK S0J 1H0 General Manager: Ceal Tournier 306-864-2595 200 - 335 Packham Avenue Saskatoon SK S7N 4S1 Wahkotowin Child and Family Services serve the following 306-956-6100 First Nations communities: .

Saskatoon Tribal Council Child and Family Services serve the following First Nations communities: Kinistin Saulteaux Nation, Mistawasis First Nation, , , , Whitecap Dakota First Nation and Yellow Quill First Nation. Four First Nations in Saskatchewan receive Sturgeon Lake Child and Family Services Inc. child welfare services from the Ministry of Social Executive Director: Eleanor Brazeau Services. They are: ; Big P.O. Box 129, Station Main Island Lake Cree Nation; and Prince Albert SK S9A 3M1 Thunderchild First Nation. 306-764-4813 *Saskatoon Tribal Council Health and Family Services Inc. Sturgeon Lake Child and Family Services serve the following is not currently a member of the Institute. First Nations communities: Sturgeon Lake First Nation.

32 First Nations Group Homes

Prince Albert Grand Council Child Care & Education Wi Ci Ti Zon Treatment Group Home Centre (PAGC CCEC) Keeseekoose First Nation Diane Knight, Co-director and Leona Sorenson, Co-director P.O. Box 128 P.O. Box 1988 Pelly SK S0A 2Z0 Prince Albert SK S6V 6K1 306-542-3795

#5 851 – 23rd Street West Pi-Kiwek Cote Group Home Inc. Chief Joseph Custer Reserve #201 Larry Whitehawk, Manager 306-953-7210 P.O. Box 820 Kamsack SK S0A 1S0 Pamiyisohk-Steps to Independent Living 306-542-3403 Gwen Favel, Manager P.O. Box 116 Agency Chiefs Child and Family Services North Battleford SK S9A 2Y9 Asikwanehk Youth Lodge 306-446-0016 Gladys Blackstar, Executive Director P.O. Box 329 Peter Ballantyne Therapeutic Group Homes Spiritwood SK S0J 2M0 Melissa Beatty, Resource Manager Southend (Group Home) Onion Lake Pelican Narrows (Group Home) Child Youth Care Home Deschambault Lake (Family Wellness Centre) Misty Fox, Manager Sandy Bay (Family Wellness Centre) P.O. Box 70 306-953-4410 Onion Lake SK S0M 2E0 306-344-2378 4 Directions Child and Family Services Stabilization and Assessment Centre Athabasca Denesuline Child and Family Services Inc. Trudy Shingoose, Executive Director (Yuthe Dene Sekwi Chu L A Koe Betsedi Inc.) P.O. Box 389 Rosanna Good, Group Home Manager Lestock SK S0A 2G0 P.O. Box 189 Black Lake SK S0J 0H0 306-274-2262 306-439-5555

33 211 - 2553 Grasswood Road East | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | S7T 1C8 P: 306-373-2874 | F: 306-373-2876 [email protected] | www.sfnfci.ca