Family Is the Focus

FAMILY IS THE FOCUS

Family is the Focus © 2015 National Collaborating Centre Une version française est également For further information or to for Aboriginal Health (NCCAH). This publiée sur le site ccnsa.ca, sous le obtain additional copies, please publication was funded by the NCCAH titre La famille à cœur – Résumé des contact: and made possible through a financial procédures. contribution from the Public Health National Collaborating Centre for Agency of Canada. The views expressed Citation: National Collaborating Aboriginal Health (NCCAH) herein do not necessarily represent the Centre for Aboriginal Health 3333 University Way views of the Public Health Agency of (2015). Family is the Focus - Proceedings Prince George, BC, V2N 4Z9 Canada. summary. Prince George, BC: Tel: 250 960 5250 National Collaborating Centre for Fax: 250 960 5644 Aboriginal Health. Email: [email protected] Web: nccah.ca ISBN (Print): 978-1-77368-157-3 ISBN (Online): 978-1-77368-158-0 ISBN (DVD): 978-1-77368-149-8

PROCEEDINGS ------5 OPENING KEYNOTE ADDRESS------6 WELCOMING ADDRESS ------8 “PICKING UP THE PIECES”------8

Download this publication at https://www.ccnsa-nccah.ca/34/Publication_Search.nccah “SHARING 500 YEARS OF LEARNING”------10 “INDIGENOUS FAMILIES, HISTORIC TRAUMA, AND OUR COLLECTIVE RESILIENCE: WE’RE THE LIVING PROOF”------11 “WHAT MAKES US STRONG?”------12 “REFLECTIONS ON THE IMPORTANCE AND STRENGTHS OF FAMILIES” ------14

La version française est également disponible au https://www.ccnsa- “BUILDING FAMILIES: PROMISING PRACTICES” ------15 nccah.ca/524/Recherche_de_publication.nccah “FAMILY IS THE FOCUS: REFLECTIONS AND NEXT STEPS”------16 “VISIONING THE FUTURE” ------18 issuu.com/nccah-ccnsa/stacks APPENDIX ------20 Thank-You ------20 Artwork ------21 Keynote Speakers ------22 Panelists ------24 Program Descriptions ------27 Event Photos ------30

Families are at the heart of healthy Indigenous roles of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, communities. In the words of Dr. Margo parents and families and how they can be Greenwood, academic leader of the National strengthened and best supported. Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health (NCCAH), “Families touch our individual This report summarizes Family is the Focus, the and collective being from the personal to the fourth and final national gathering in this series, professional to the political. To be strong as which was held on the traditional territories of the nations, we must nurture and support our families Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish and Musqueam Peoples and communities. It is within our families that in Vancouver, British Columbia from February we as individuals come to know our place in the 18-20, 2014. Spanning generations and nations, world and to know ourselves as part of a larger this event brought together over 140 people. collective.” Yet First Nations, Métis and Inuit Sons, daughters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, families have long survived multiple assaults mothers, and fathers, in addition to community and disruptions to their well-being as a result members, practitioners, and policy makers shared of colonization and colonial policies. Some of information, knowledge, and experience on the these include forced displacement and relocation; roles and responsibilities of family in the health interruptions to inter-generational relationships and well-being of Indigenous communities; the through the removal of children via the residential supports needed for family well-being; and the school and child welfare systems; and cultural programs, practices and resources focused on discontinuity due to the dispossession of rebuilding the cultural strengths of families. Indigenous languages and ceremonial practices. A wide range of keynote speakers and panelists Strengthening and improving the health and were invited from across Canada, the United States well-being of Aboriginal children, families and and New Zealand. Honouring and nurturing communities is a key focus for the NCCAH. Indigenous families, and recognizing their As part of this effort, the NCCAH has hosted a resiliency and vibrancy centered the discussions series of national events on children and families, over the three days. The first keynote address including Messages from the Heart: Caring for was delivered by Albert Pooley, who grounded our Children (2009), With Dad: Strengthening the gathering by acknowledging that, “There is the Circle of Care (2011), Sacred Space of nothing more important and precious than family. Womanhood: Mothering across the Generations Nothing. As Native people, we believe that family (2012), and Family is the Focus (2014). All four is where we start.” gatherings explored traditional and contemporary

Family is the Focus 5 DAY ONE - TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

Opening Keynote Address through love, appreciation and safety. Spouses need to know that they are Albert Pooley not taken for granted. They also need to know that they are emotionally and physically safe to grow, develop and be themselves within the relationship. Albert M. Pooley is of the Hopi and Navajo Nations and lives in Mesa, The ability to exercise joy and laughter is good medicine to be extended to, Arizona (USA). A husband, father and grandfather, his work as President of and experienced by, both partners. the Native American Fatherhood and Families Association supports healthy family development. Turning to children, Mr. Pooley emphasized that learning fosters their health and well-being. It is a sacred principle that mothers and fathers teach their Mr. Pooley began his address by acknowledging that family is the heart children the desire to learn. He also stated that our collective histories are of First Nations people. Traditionally, First Nations peoples placed great rich and should “inspire and motivate us to transition to the next level of value on marriage. Today, however, high rates of divorce are breaking improving our lives.” down family relationships. Mr. Pooley pointed out that in his practice of supporting families, he has found that selfishness, emotional immaturity, and Concluding the first day of the event, Mr. Pooley invited participants to think complacency lead to family breakdown, separation, and divorce. He has also about Indigenous peoples’ belief in the Creator and the use of prayer to invite witnessed how relationships can be renewed and strengthened when both the Creator into our lives. He shared this because it is his understanding that spouses practice the following five basic truths with one another: kindness, prayer grounds us in how we care and strengthen ourselves and others, our fairness, safety, joy and laughter. He said, “kindness is already in your veins. relationships, our families, and our communities. It’s in your DNA”. He pointed out that successful relationships are bonded

6 “There is nothing more important and precious than family. Nothing. As Native people, we believe that family is where we start.” Albert M. Pooley © Credit: Fred Cattroll, www.cattroll.com © Credit: Fred

Family is the Focus 7 DAY TWO - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014

Welcoming Address “Picking up the Pieces” Deb Martel & Margo Greenwood Keynote Address Maria Campbell Participants were warmly welcomed to the second day of the gathering held at the First Maria Campbell is a renowned author, playwright, Nations Longhouse on the University of British filmmaker, researcher and educator. She is a Cree/ Columbia campus by Associate Director, Deb Métis Elder hailing from Saskatchewan. A mother, Martel. She described the history of the longhouse, grandmother and great-grandmother, Maria is commenting on the symbolism of the beautifully a tireless volunteer and advocate for Aboriginal carved supporting cedar posts, each of which was women, children and communities. created by a different First Nations artist. Maria graced the audience with the story of her In her welcoming address, Dr. Margo Greenwood grandmother’s small log and plastered house. pointed out that this was the last in a series of four She described her grandmother’s handmade NCCAH gatherings on children and families. In table that was covered by a yellow flowered oil her personal reflection on family, she recalled cloth, her collection of blue china teacups, her how her childhood kitchen table was a place for polished wood stove, and her quilted double bed. some memorable debates, discussions, planning “Nohkom’s house was always a sacred place. It and decisions. Her childhood role was to set the was a place where we could go alone or together; table for the family and guests. Similarly, she saw that included parents and children. And we could the role of the participants at the “Family is the be reminded in her house that there was lots of Focus” gathering as setting the table for the young goodness in the world. We could be reminded that ones and the coming generations. Dr. Greenwood we were family and that no matter how terrible concluded by extending her appreciation to all of things got, if you came here, you would be okay the participants and sponsors of the gathering. because just by her presence, she reminded us that we were loved and that we could be better than we Prior to the morning’s first keynote address, were if we just tried.” facilitator Dan George welcomed participants. Mr. George thanked the NCCAH for the opportunity While her grandmother’s home illustrated the to assist in all four children and family gatherings. importance of family, love, peace and sacredness, He stressed the importance of identifying Maria recognized that many Aboriginal homes problems and solutions in a positive manner, and and communities today are marred by fear and listening generously. pain. This, she explained, is caused by many factors rooted in colonization: alcohol and drug addictions; family violence; missing and murdered men, women and children; and more children in foster care than were in residential schools at their height of operation. She said at times these © Credit: www.aboriginalimages.ca, ID 1161, “Cree mother and baby” © Credit: www.aboriginalimages.ca, impacts are paralyzing for people, including her. Yet she has witnessed the resiliency and connection families have continued to display,

8 “Regardless of how broken things have become, hand grown food and handmade clothes, the people came from troubling pasts, though in the our families somehow have managed to hang on telling of funny stories, and the use of endearing midst of it all were some precious memories and to each other.” For example, she relayed how her childhood nicknames. She remembered lessons stories that are important to share with children siblings were fostered out as children, only to be shared by grandmothers who encouraged the and grandchildren. Ms. Campbell noted that reunited after twelve years. When they returned young girls to put on their best clothes to make imagining ourselves richly could prompt kindness, home, they were angry at what had happened them feel good and beautiful. Maria shared the generosity and inclusiveness towards future to them. Her father and the old people taught significance of witnessing how the generations generations. them how to be healthy again through stories and connected through ceremonies and rituals. traditional activities. Through these collective and She told these stories to illustrate how rich and She concluded by referring to the words of an community-based efforts, her siblings were able to empowering our experiences and memories are. Elder who emphasized that those trying to regain their identity. reunite their communities need to “pick up the Maria then recalled a collection of stories missing pieces of the puzzle and bring them back Teachings passed on to her throughout her authored by Christopher Vecsey entitled “Imagine together.” Part of this is recognizing the integral girlhood comforted her later in life. She recalled Ourselves Richly.” The title was thought- role of grandparents as knowledge holders for how despite the trauma experienced by her own provoking for her because it reminded her of families and younger generations, which was parents, they were still able to show love. Though power words in the Cree language. In one case, a significant part of the subsequent panel of this may not have been done through conventional a word was used to describe beauty, texture, grandparents. forms of communication, her parents transferred character, richness, colour, and quality in a person love to their children through the provision of or a thing. The book also reminded her that some

“Families touch our individual and collective being from the personal to the professional to the political. To be strong as nations, we must nurture and support our families and communities. It is within our families that we as individuals come to know our place in the world and to know ourselves as part of a larger collective.”

Dr. Margo Greenwood, Academic Leader, National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health (NCCAH)

Family is the Focus 9 “Sharing 500 Years of Learning” of where they come from. Mothers are strong and determiner. We start with the self and our highly respected in our cultural beliefs.” homes before spiraling out into the world.” She Grandparents’ Panel urged the consideration of the family as the Paul Skanks, Landon Pearson, Madeleine Dion Stout, and Lillian Elias Landon Pearson followed this by recognizing biggest authority on health determinants and the that women are valuable for keeping the family importance of considering how grandparents fit Facilitator Dan George welcomed the alive. She said: “Grandmothers are important into the family. She stated that we are hardwired grandparents’ panel and asked them to speak to for maintaining the family’s survival. As a to our children and grandchildren and reflected their understanding of the roles that grandparents grandmother of 12 grandchildren, my role has upon the mutual connection she shares with play in families. been initially to help my children get through her granddaughter, “My young granddaughter the first years of their grandchildren’s lives. loves it when I call her ‘iskwew’ - the Cree Paul Skanks began the panel by pointing to the As my grandchildren grew older, I developed word for woman.” It is important to promote importance of understanding the richness of our relationships with them.” She agreed with Paul attachment and connections with our children history. For him, one of the roles of becoming a Skanks that the role of a grandparent is to be and grandchildren. “When ties are severed, it is grandparent is to be the family ‘historian.’ As such, the “bearer of the family stories.” For her, as a traumatic for both parties. It is important to seize he can trace his Mohawk family genealogy back grandmother, “It is important to convey to the the teachable moments – although sometimes they to 1778. Indigenous people knew how to survive, children and family their histories. Part of a are not always easy to see.” even though efforts have been made over the past grandmothers’ role is to spin the narratives in a several hundred years to disconnect them from positive direction.” The final panelist, Lillian Elias expressed how their families, communities, and Mother Earth. delighted she was to be attending this gathering He is hopeful for the future of the family and Madeleine Dion Stout, a grandmother of three, with her granddaughter. She pointed out that a stated, “My grandchildren’s mothers may not be acknowledged the importance of strong family grandparent’s role is to love and care for their Aboriginal; however, my grandchildren are aware connections: “Family is a powerful health grandchildren. In her own experience, her Credit: Reproduced with permissionCredit: Reproduced © 2015 Cat Sivertsen

10 grandmother taught her many things, including Quills College in the 1970s through her mother how to sew shoes: “My grandparents never said and father-in-law, who among others believed that ‘you’re doing it wrong.’ Instead they showed us Indigenous people held answers within themselves. how to do things properly. It is important to eat together, sit together, love one another and Graduating with her doctorate in 2000, Patricia help each other; this is what I’m teaching my had a passion and a vision shared by others to grandchildren. Listening is most important.” build a leadership program by First Nations and for First Nations people. “We had no money. The panel honoured the esteemed role of We were working in an old residential school. grandparents in preserving and passing on the Out of that we built our own programs based wisdom, stories, and knowledge of families. They on a vision of what we wanted education for are role models to “the way to walk the right way.” Indigenous people to be.” She and her colleagues Grandparents instill valuable lessons to children built certificate, diploma, and degree programs. about their history, language and culture, and The Indigenous people of Treaty 6 supported the importantly, that life is a cycle including youth, development of these programs. maturity, old age and death. A grandparent’s wisdom and gift is preparing for the next cycle in Dr. Makokis left her work in the academy to enter with permissionCredit: Reproduced © 2015 Cat Sivertsen life, acknowledging that all life comes to an end, the world of business with the same idea. One but also continues. of the business partners she works with is the Bigstone Cree Nation in Treaty 8 territory. As “Indigenous Families, Historic Trauma, part of her work, she never forgets her spiritual connectedness to the land as she engages in Ceremony and traditional teachings are very and Our Collective Resilience: We’re the equitable and equal partnerships. important to Dr. Makokis’ family. Sweet grass Living Proof” teaches about kindness, and through ceremony, Keynote Address Dr. Makokis referenced the image of an iceberg. strength can be found. She often reminded her Dr. Patricia Makokis, TANSI Business Development Group and Bigstone This is a metaphor that reminds us that just below children that despite any challenges they faced, Cree Nation, Treaty 8 Territory the surface is the resilience of Indigenous people. they had the strength to carry on in pursuit of There is complexity in the trauma that continues their careers. Her son is now being mentored A veteran educator and now businesswoman, Dr. to affect Indigenous communities today. She added by Elders who have entrusted their traditional Patricia Makokis resides on the Saddle Lake Cree that efforts are needed to unlearn patriarchy and to medicine, ceremonies and knowledge with him. As Nation located in north-eastern Alberta. Patricia learn how to practice Indigenous leadership. a physician, he is able to bridge Cree teachings and is married to Eugene Makokis. She is a mother of western medicine. two and a grandmother. Along with her family, As a young parent, Dr. Makokis explained, she Patricia practices her Cree ceremonies. She sees made career choices based on the needs of her In sharing the experience of fasting with her herself as a servant of the people, working to family. However, now that her children are family, Patricia imparted her belief that ceremony improve the quality of overall health and well- grown, she has the support of her family to take is in the DNA of every person. She draws upon being for Indigenous families. on different kinds of work. She pointed out that this when teaching health promotion. Oftentimes Elders have told her that education is the current students are hard on themselves; they tell her Dr. Makokis began by stating that the Elders day buffalo of Indigenous people. Makokis added that ceremonies have not been practiced by their acknowledge that there are no such things that equitable and ethical business development families and so they are at a loss as to how to as ‘coincidences.’ She described her family with communities may be the new buffalo for access or participate in them. She pointed out relationship to the early establishment of Blue Indigenous people. that she knows very few people that grew up with

Family is the Focus 11 ceremony, but those who are thirsting for it can risk behaviors. Teaching students about historic everyone in this room has answers and solutions find mentors to bring it into their lives. “Through trauma allows a light bulb to go on: “All of a to what it is that we should be collectively doing in ceremony we find our own strengths within us. sudden they start to see that our people are kind, the service of our people and for the greater good Resilience is in our DNA.” loving, caring people who are suffering this pain.” of all humankind.” The disruptions to family, language and identity Dr. Makokis showed an image called “The caused by colonization continue to impact all “What Makes Us Strong?” Natural Law” which represents the teachings of Indigenous people and the work that we do. Indigenous peoples in their relationships with each Panel other and the world. Reciprocal relationships and Dr. Makokis showed pictures of the training Hohepa Tamehana, Shirley Tagalik, Kim Scott, Colette Trudeau, John spiritual connectedness are central to this ethic. programs she delivers to Bigstone Cree Nation. Stuart Jr. Dr. Makokis uses this image as the foundation of These programs start by helping students her teaching. understand historic trauma and oppression, and This panel was convened to discuss “What makes move into employment readiness for entering us strong?” The panelists were asked to draw Oppression has created significant pain in the workforce. The program is designed to help upon their own experiences to describe how the Indigenous peoples’ lives, starting even before prepare band members to work in various roles in strength of families and communities is connected confederation. As a student, Dr. Makokis started camps devoted to the industry development sector to culture, traditional practices, education, and to explore the historical roots of intergenerational on their territory. language. Collectively, they recognized the implicit trauma. Colonization situated Indigenous realities roles played by women, men, Elders, children and as myths and dominators’ stories as reality. In closing, Dr. Makokis shared a Hopi prophecy, youth to create, support, and maintain respectful Resentment, frustration and anger at colonization “The people will say we are waiting, and the and resilient families. result in lateral violence, barriers to Indigenous answer will be we are waiting for ourselves.” development, social breakdown, crime, and high She continued by stating, “I would suggest that Hohepa Tamehana, a Maori from New Zealand, opened the panel by acknowledging the importance of using cultural practices to help people struggle through difficult times: “When we sing our songs, when we dance our dances, when we speak our language, we are in the presence of our ancestors, we become our ancestors.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining connections with our past and heritage, pointing out that “culture is the essence of our being. It is the prayers of our ancestors, the cries of our Elders, the anger of our parents, the pride of our generation, and the strength of our children.” Mr. Tamehana also pointed out that children need a sense of pride and identity. They need to be reminded through culture to control their enthusiasm, control their concerns, control their © Credit: Fred Cattroll, www.cattroll.comn © Credit: Fred passion, and find a way to release their emotions through performance (using stomping, words, volume, tears, sweat, eyes, and tongues).

12 Shirley Tagalik acknowledged the consistency Scott acknowledged that culture is good medicine. across Indigenous worldviews, pointing out that She reiterated the importance of leadership similar ideas emanate from all communities. and commitment, and noted that learning Indigenous worldview is based on truths provided opportunities may serve as very useful starting to the people from the creator. Ms. Tagalik points in a journey where more therapeutic explained that she had been adopted into a services may be needed. Families in need are more Nunavut community where she worked with likely to participate in a learning opportunity when Elders to redesign the education system based on trust and relationship are established and this sets what Inuit people knew to be true. Over the past the stage for other interventions in the healing 15 years, with the assistance of Elders, efforts have process. been made to bring truths back to life and make them real for Inuit children and grandchildren. Youth delegates, Colette Trudeau and John As the research journey began, the Elders Stuart Jr., were invited to draw upon their own talked about living in respectful relationships experiences and learnings from the conference within changing environments and families. A in order to share their thoughts on the supports multi-module parenting curriculum developed needed for youth and families. Colette began with Elders’ advice has now been delivered six by stating that family is a community. She also times in her community of Arviat, in ten other described her experience of finding out about communities across Nunavut, and has been her Métis roots and the pride she felt in having requested by several others. Ms. Tagalik urged for researched her identity and family ancestry. John more opportunities to build up future generations Stuart Jr. from the National Inuit Community and curtail the loss of traditional teachings. Society said that Inuit youth are reconnecting with their culture through immersion language Kim Scott echoed the importance of amplifying and culture camps. Both youth pointed out that a family strength. She reviewed a number of sense of belonging and connection to their culture programs across Canada, including Neah Kee were important to them. Papa (Winnipeg, MB), Healthy Children, Healthy Futures Program at Hiiye’yu Lelum (Duncan, Audience members highlighted programs such BC), Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre (ON), Kids as Aboriginal midwifery, performing arts, First (Regina, SK), Wraparound Services for cultural camps, parenting programs and language Families at Native Child and Families Services learning. Commentators noted the importance of Toronto (ON), and Working Together to of community and youth involvement. Since Help One Another at Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata government funding is often not available, many Centre (Winnipeg, MB). These programs focus of these programs rely on volunteers to operate. on strength and leadership in which parents According to panelist Shirley Tagalik, parental are seen as the “agents of change.” They are, in involvement is crucial. She said, “There have effect, parent controlled and parent facilitated. been conversations about culture being key in The organizations rely on the engagement, reinforcing parental responsibility. Adults need to

empowerment and ownership of families and be involved…. It is important to put knowledge with Sash” ID 0924, “Métis Baby © Credit: www.aboriginalimages.ca, communities. She said, “When our families and into action in the family and the community.” communities are involved in decision-making roles, things work better and feel right.” Ms.

Family is the Focus 13 DAY THREE - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2014

Facilitator Dan George welcomed participants to the last day of the Family is the Focus gathering. He summarized themes raised in the discussions including recognition of culture and tradition as healing medicine; thinking about future generations and how we can influence children’s well-being 100 years before they are born; respect for self, others and the environment; the importance of collaboration and partnerships; and family as the foundation for healthy Indigenous communities. He then recognized the roles that can be played by leadership and community organizations in the health and wellness of families. With that, he invited the first keynote speaker, Deb Foxcroft.

“Reflections on the Importance and Strengths of Families” Keynote Address Deb Foxcroft

Since 2013, Deb Foxcroft has been the President of the Nuu chah nulth Tribal Council. A leader in her community, she took a retrospective look Families need to listen, laugh, show more love Deb noted that there are caring people working at her own experiences growing up and the and nurturing, live a good life, and feel safe and on behalf of their communities and that people roles her parents and grandparents played in her protected in their families and communities. have incorporated positive efforts into services and development. In particular, she spoke of how her Stability is key for healthy children and youth. programs. Good family support services which commitment to traditional language and culture We need to be proud of who we are and where incorporate our traditional teachings and values was shaped by the way her grandparents shared we come from and instill that in our children are critical to the overall success of our nations at dances, songs, stories, legends, and prepared and and grandchildren. Child and family well-being the community level. gathered traditional foods and medicine. is not solely the responsibility of parents, but of grandparents, aunties, uncles and everyone in a Ms. Foxcroft stressed the importance of gratitude Although her parents held education in high community, including leaders, neighbours and and appreciating time with family, and concluded regard, Ms. Foxcroft spoke of the impacts that extended family members. Children need to be by asking for guidance in her daily prayers, for residential school had on her father which happy and healthy. They need to be free from any herself, her family and her community. She hoped extended to the larger family. Like other survivors abuse or neglect. Children need to be children, for health, happiness, healing, love and strength of the schools, her father rejected his traditional not little adults with too many responsibilities. for the gathering and beyond. culture and their family was impacted by mental The commitment to supporting positive changes illness and alcoholism. She said that drugs, for families and communities is paramount to the alcohol, gangs and violence break apart many well-being of our children, grandchildren and the Aboriginal families and communities. future generations.

14 “Building Families: Promising Practices” his experiences as a social worker and his more recent focus on children’s mental health. Panel Karen Isaac, Jeff D’Hondt, and Joe Karetak During Mr. D’Hondt’s life and career as a social worker, he gained some memorable experiences. This final panel was brought together to meet the He sought healing through various means of gathering’s objective of sharing their involvement therapies and ceremony, until he remembered in culturally-relevant, strengths-based programs, wisdom from his grandfather: life on its own was practices and resources offered to Aboriginal about healing and encouraged him to focus on families. living a good life, in addition to pursuing healing. As a result of his grandfather’s advice, he started The first speaker, Karen Isaac, works as the writing and showing affection to others. Executive Director at the BC Aboriginal Child Care Society. Her presentation highlighted a Jeff’s personal experiences should not overshadow culturally relevant teaching resource produced the teachings hidden within them: living a full in 2010 through her organization with funding life is as important as healing. Children need Cattroll, www.cattroll.comn © Credit: Fred from the Public Health Agency of Canada called to play; it is how they get to know one another, Bringing Traditions Home: Aboriginal Parenting have fun, laugh and feel alive. The Native Child in Today’s World. This product is based on and Family Services of Toronto program was traditional child-rearing values and practices, focused on mental health, and complied with the it was important to hear both sides of an issue. including respect, sense of belonging, love, required regulations; however, they organized Anything of importance requires time, patience honour, humility, courage, wisdom, generosity, and therapy around play, cultural events, family and understanding. celebration. One of its unique qualities is the way events, ceremonies, indeed life, to ensure that that activities can be adapted to include traditional children receive therapy alongside the chance to He indicated that generations have been taught in teachings from any community. Its strength is in be children. He concluded by noting that greater schools where there is a standard way of processing the inclusion of knowledge keepers with specific efforts were needed to adjust the system, to make information. By the time it was discovered that a cultural skills and knowledge. room for different methods of healing, trust child had a learning problem, the best opportunity building, and relationship building. for addressing it may have been missed. When Delivered across Canada, it is a flexible program children were taken from their communities, they based on three-hour gatherings that welcome Mr. Karetak explained that as a child, he grew up were taught in residential schools to read and Elders as knowledge keepers, encouraging them in an Inuktitut language system. Children were write. Many were culturally dysfunctional when to share languages, traditional parenting practices, exposed to traditional knowledge and culture from they returned to their communities, and faced stories and strengths. The goal of the project is birth. challenges while trying to revive their identity. to empower parents to share and practice the teachings with their children (to bring tradition He recommended that efforts were needed to The “Wrap-Around Program” is a community- home). The more knowledge that can be shared accommodate Inuit culture in the government based solution focused on meeting the child where with parents, the more empowering the program education system. Different dialects and an he or she was at, and then moving to required can be for family well-being. Over 250 facilitators equal number of men and women needed to be supports. The program is still in the development have been trained across BC and in other involved in teachings. He explained the criticalness stages; however, it looks promising for resolving provinces. of effective communication. The Inuit culture some of the current challenges. He concluded by acknowledged relationships with everything – noting that understanding (rather than avoidance) Mr. D’Hondt is the Manager of Clinical Services at even the stars and the rocks. To help address was the premise from which resolution could be the Native Child and Family Services. He reviewed communication issues with other communities, achieved. Family is the Focus 15 “Family is the Focus: Reflections and future.” All family members have a role in this intergenerational endeavour. Next Steps” Closing Keynote She then shared a story, which had been told to her Jo-ann Archibald by an Elder, the late Vi Hilbert of the Upper Skagit people of Puget Sound. Sometimes the smallest Jo-ann Archibald, Q’um Q’um Xiiem, from the creatures can teach us lessons. This story is about Sto:lo and Xaxli’p First Nations, is Associate a creature named Lady Louse who tried to clean Dean for Indigenous Education, the Director for up the rarely-used and rarely-cared for community the Native Indian Teacher Education Program, long house. Years ago, the long house was used and Professor in the Faculty of Education at the to reconnect families and communities, to share University of British Columbia. food, stories and songs, and to pass on cultural teachings, history, language, and values. Feeling In her closing keynote address, Dr. Archibald badly about the state the long house was in, Lady acknowledged how the gathering had touched Louse decided to start cleaning up. She started to her heart, mind, body, and spirit. She reflected sweep, but only stirred up a tremendous amount of upon the Coast Salish tradition of ‘witnessing’, dust. As she thought of all the work that had to be when people were called to gather, to listen and done, she swept harder and harder. By the time she observe (with their ears, their mind and their reached the middle, she was lost in a dust cloud. heart). During the Family is the Focus gathering, Dr. Archibald recalled her one understanding of she had witnessed stories and perspectives coming the story’s meanings including that many people from Indigenous knowledge systems, communities had lost their families in the dust of our colonial and families. Much had been said about respect history. There are many meanings that can be for people, land and culture, and about “our attributed to that story, but one thing was clear – responsibilities to children, grandchildren, our eventually the dust would settle and bring out a families and each other.” She heard about the new opportunity to move forward. importance of understanding the roles of kinship, community history, kindness, trust, resiliency, Like Maria Campbell, Dr. Archibald imagined strength and creativity for family well-being. Aboriginal families, cultures, programs, and organizations richly. The NCCAH, for example, The gathering highlighted the traditional should be commended for finding ways to bring principle of passing Indigenous values, stories, participants together over these four gatherings, and teachings to younger generations. This and for creating excellent learning materials for all intergenerational learning was critical not only for to use. maintaining connections between families and communities, but also with nature and the land. Dr. Archibald concluded by asking what the Traditional ways of knowing help strengthen the participants might consider next steps as they actions and emotions of individuals, families and returned to their families. She acknowledged that communities and should be applied to everyday everyone had been enriched by spending time Credit: Reproduced with permissionCredit: Reproduced © 2015 Cat Sivertsen practices. To this she urged participants to, together with those who cared about family and “keep our histories vibrant. They are not just had put family as the focus. She extended best in the past. The past is us and the past is our wishes to all for a safe journey home.

16 Family is the Focus 17 “We commit to solutions, building upon what We commit to freely sharing our gifts, VISIONING THE is currently in place or is working in our families celebrating who we are, and where we are and communities. from.

FUTURE We commit to advocacy, championing We commit to continuous improvement, Conference facilitator Dan George summed up the needs identified by our people at the measuring the impact our work has on the the feedback from the World Café discussions individual, family, community and nation levels. health, social and cultural outcomes of our on programs and services, and the diversity children. of knowledge within the room. Based on the We commit to communicating effectively and gathering’s discussion, the following consensus statement was developed from which the collective efficiently across families, communities, sectors We commit to healthy behaviours, creating could move forward: and systems. happy and safe homes for our children.

© Credit: iStockPhoto.com, ID 64147761 18 We commit to inclusive practices that are We commit to establishing services where We accept the responsibility for our children. welcoming to all and rooted in the family. they are needed, ensuring that where a child lives doesn’t limit the services they receive. We believe in our greatness. We commit to advancing our rich and vibrant cultures on all fronts. We believe that every family is a child This is our truth.” development centre. We commit to lifelong learning embracing each opportunity as a teachable moment.

Family is the Focus 19 APPENDIX THANK-YOU

Elder Mary Charles Elder Mary Charles, of the Musqueam First Nation, who opened the gathering and warmly welcomed participants to the traditional territories of the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish and Musqueam peoples.

Mr. Dan George Mr. Dan George, of Four Directions Management Services, who with great insight and respect, facilitated the event.

Ms. Colleen Stephenson Ms. Colleen Stephenson, a graphic artist who visually captured in real time the words and thoughts of speakers and participants in colourful artwork.

Big Soul Productions The crew of Big Soul Productions, who filmed the gathering and put much care into producing the DVD ...Family is the Focus.

The NCCAH would also like to acknowledge and thank our keynote speakers and all panelists for sharing their time, experience, insights and wisdom.

This event has been made possible through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Public Health Agency of Canada. © Credit: FreeImages.com, ID 692542 © Credit: FreeImages.com,

20 ARTWORK

Carla Joseph

Carla was born in Prince George, BC with Cree roots in Green Lake, Saskatchewan. Carla started drawing and painting consistently in 1994. Many of Carla’s accomplishments are a result of designing logos for non-profit organizations and causes throughout the central interior of BC.

Many of Carla’s paintings are an amalgam of Coast Salish and contemporary wildlife, mostly acrylic and oil on canvas. Carla’s love of the west coast style developed under the tutelage of both her children’s and spouse’s culture, as well the experience of being born and raised in BC.

Future ventures for Carla include a web page and a business.

Contact her at: [email protected]

volunteer work for over 40 years, KEYNOTE SPEAKERS working mostly with women and children in crisis. Her work has included being one of the founders of the First Women’s Halfway Mr. Pooley has given more than House as well as the Women 100+ keynote presentations for and Children’s Emergency Crisis crowds spanning 10 to thousands of Centre in Edmonton, working people. Audiences have included the with youth in community theatre, Child Support Enforcement National setting up food and housing co- Regional Office, Washington DC; ops, facilitating women’s circles, First Things First, Arizona; Early and doing workshops on leadership Childhood Conference, Cocopah and community organizing. Ms. Hualapai; Southern Ute Fatherhood Campbell was the translator and Conference Durango; Selkirk First helper for the “Elders’ Blockade” Nations Grand Council of Chiefs, to stop logging in traditional Cree Pelly Crossing, Yukon Canada; territory in Northern Saskatchewan Navaho Head Start, Fort McDowell; in the 1990s. She has also worked Intertribal Council Parenting with the Lubicon Lake First Nations Conference, Tucson; International Maria Campbell in their struggle for land claims. Fatherhood Conference, Baltimore MD; National Fatherhood Rally, Maria Campbell is an author, Awards for Ms. Campbell include National Monument, Washington playwright, filmmaker, researcher, an Officer of The Order of Canada, DC; Oglala Sioux Childhood/ educator and Cree/Métis Elder from Albert Pooley a Saskatchewan Order of Merit, a Childcare Conference, Rapid Saskatchewan. Her publications Canada Council Molson Award, and City, SD; National Conference of include Halfbreed (1973), The Mr. Albert Pooley MSW, MPA is a National Aboriginal Achievement the Office for Family Assistance, Book of Jessica (1987), and Stories the founder and President of the Award. Ms. Campbell holds four Washington, DC; Native American of the Road Allowance People Native American Fatherhood and honorary doctorates and is a former Procurement Conference, AZ; Child (1995). Among her plays, Jessica Families Association (NAFFA) in professor from the University of Care Program Navajo Division of won the 1986 Dora Mavor Moore Mesa, Arizona. He is internationally Saskatchewan and First Nations Social Services. Albert also conducts National Award for Playwriting, known for his culturally-sensitive University of Canada. She has held training workshops, lectures, and The Crossing won the 2008 Fatherhood/Motherhood Is Sacred several writer-in-residence positions seminars and conference workshops Spirit of Saskatchewan Award. program. This curriculum is and is currently the Elder in Virtual including presentations at the In film and television work, Ms. currently being used in 100+ Indian Residence at the Centre for World National Head Start Conference in Campbell has produced and directed tribes and 11 urban centers and some Indigenous Knowledge, Athabasca Orlando Florida, National Indian over 35 documentaries, mostly non-native agencies in the US. Albert University. She is also a co-applicant Welfare Association and Native in collaboration with Aboriginal has extensive working knowledge on two national research projects and American Childhood and Family peoples. of tribes and promotes workshops a Trudeau Mentor. designed to strengthen families Conference, Southwest Consortium Ms. Campbell’s artistic work has through healthy marriage and of Indian Head Start Programs, Inc. always been grounded in social She has four children and is a responsible parenting as role models grandmother of seven and great- He has been married to his wife, justice and a commitment to for their children. grandmother of four. Julia, for 44 years. They have six community. She has been doing children and 13 grandchildren. 22 Patricia Makokis Jo-ann Archibald

Dr. Patricia Makokis resides on the Saddle Lake Jo-ann Archibald, Q’um Q’um Xiiem, from the Cree Nation located in north-eastern Alberta along Sto:lo and Xaxli’p First Nations, is Associate with her husband Eugene, and occasionally, their Dean for Indigenous Education, the Director for two adult children, Janice and James. Pat has been the Native Indian Teacher Education Program an educator (front line teacher, Vice Principal, and (NITEP), and professor in the Educational Principal) along with post secondary instructor for Studies Department in the Faculty of Education, the past 25 years. She has worked with youth from University of British Columbia. Jo-ann received across Canada and the Territories. Her front line a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree from work had her working with youth with addictions, the University of British Columbia, a Master their families and a drug and alcohol team. Pat of Education (M.Ed.) degree and Doctor of currently teaches part time at the University of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree from Simon Fraser Alberta and works full time in 50-50 business University. At UBC, Jo-ann has held the position partnerships with Indigenous Nations located of Director of the First Nations House of in northern Alberta. Her current work has her Learning from 1993-2001. She received a National interfacing front line with Nations in economic Aboriginal Achievement/Inspire Award in 2000, development partnerships, industry, government an honorary Doctor of Letters from Capilano (federal and provincial) and post secondary University and the Simon Fraser University institutes. Pat and her family are practitioners of Outstanding Alumni Award for Academic

their Cree ceremonies. She sees herself as a servant Achievement in 2012. In 2013, she received a ID 92834808 © Credit: ThinkStockPhotos.ca, of the people, working to improve the quality distinguished career achievement award from of overall health and well-being for Indigenous the American Education Research Association, families. Scholars of Colour. Jo-ann is the author of the book, Indigenous Storywork: Educating the Heart, Mind, Body, and Spirit published in 2008 by UBC Family is the Focus 23 Press. APPENDIX PANELISTS

Madeleine Kétéskwew Dion Stout Lillian Elias (Inkiqlik) Paul Skanks

Madeleine Kétéskwew Dion Stout, a Cree speaker, Lillian Elias was born and raised in the Mackenzie Paul Skanks was born in Toronto and raised in was born and raised on the Kehewin First Nation Delta. She went to Residential School at the Kahnawake, a Mohawk Reserve in Quebec. His in Alberta. After graduating from the Edmonton age of nine and stayed for four years. She is an spirit name is Tiao Re Hen Sere, which means General Hospital as a Registered Nurse, she Interpreter/translator Teacher Specialist in her the first light of day, and he is of the Turtle clan. earned a Bachelors Degree in Nursing, with language, culture and tradition. She was the first His life is based on the principles of “The Great Distinction, from the University of Lethbridge and teacher to teach her language of Inuvialuktun Law” of the Haudenasaunee (People of the Long a Masters Degree in International Affairs from in the Samuel Hearne Secondary School in House). Paul has been a resident of Ottawa/ the Norman Paterson School of International Inuvik, NT. She taught for 10 years. Her goal Gloucester, Ontario since 1978. He has three Affairs at Carleton University. She serves on is to encourage youth to keep their culture and granddaughters from two of his three sons. He several Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal boards and language alive. She is still teaching today, even was a Board Member and Elder of the Ottawa committees, including the National Collaborating though she retired about ten years ago. She teaches Head Start Program with a focus on Aboriginal Centre for Aboriginal Health and the First drum dancing at the elementary school twice a pre-school curriculum, and he continues work Nations Health Authority Board in BC. In August, week and teaches the Inuvialuktun language twice with their Ontario Regional Organization. Paul is 2007 she was appointed to the Mental Health a week. also “on call” with friendship centers, government, Commission of Canada as an inaugural Vice-Chair health centers and other organizations to provide of the Board of Directors. Madeleine is a past Lillian received the Diamond Jubilee Award in teachings/ceremonies and/or personal counseling. President of the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Ottawa in March 2012 for her dedication and Canada and appointee to the National Forum on service to her peers, community and to Canada. Paul retired from Bell Canada in 1994 after 29 Health. She also received the Keeping Our Culture Alive years of service. Since his retirement, he has Award and other numerous awards. undertaken a rewarding new career of his cultural In March 2010 she won the National Aboriginal rebirth. To this end, he actively pursues knowledge Achievement Award in the health category. based on traditional teachings and does his best to lead a life based on these principles. He feels he has been blessed by learning from many gifted Elders/teachers from various First Nations cultural backgrounds across Turtle Island. Paul believes it is our responsibility to help others who are attempting to live a balanced life in harmony with Mother Earth.

24 Hohepa Tamehana Shirley Tagalik Kim Scott

Hohepa Tamehana is a Māori from Aotearoa (New Shirley Tagalik is an educator who has lived in Ms. Scott is founder and principal of Kishk Zealand). He is a member of the Tūhoe Nation. Arviat since 1976. She worked at all levels of Anaquot Health Research (KAHR), an For the past 25 years Hohepa has been tutoring the school system. In 1999 she joined the newly independent, Indigenous owned and operated Māori performing arts. His fields of expertise formed Government of Nunavut Department of consultancy specializing in strategic planning, are in traditional culture and custom and how Education as the Manager of Early Childhood and program design, performance measurement, these can be transformed and applied to today’s School Services with the Curriculum Division. partnership development and environmental Māori. He has a degree in Māori education and is Her main task was to redesign the educational sustainability with a varied client base of completing a doctorate in Indigenous Studies. He system within a framework of Inuit knowledge universities, government departments, professional currently works for Te Wānanga ō Aotearoa which and to begin the rewriting of the curriculum to associations, international and non-governmental is a Māori educational institution that delivers fit this framework. She worked extensively with organizations, school boards, health centres and diplomas, and undergraduate master’s degrees, that Inuit Elders to document their cultural knowledge, communities. Her career spans a broad spectrum address current issues being faced by Māori. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. Retiring in 2009, she of activity related to public health, international established Inukpaujaq Consulting which provides and community development, training, governance John Stuart Jr. research, facilitation and consulting services. Her and comprehensive sustainability planning. Her research includes suicide prevention and issues professional interests are currently focused on Originally from Tuktoyaktuk, a small Inuvialuit around mental health; youth engagement; early amplifying action on the nexus between energy, community in the Northwest Territories, John childhood development; food security, nutrition environment and public health. Ms. Scott holds a Stuart Jr. lives and works as a Regional Youth and obesity prevention; language enhancement Master of Science degree from the University of Wellness Coordinator in Inuvik. John began and reclamation; and articulating Indigenous Waterloo, sits as a board member of the Ottawa working with youth when he was 15 years old cultural knowledge frameworks. Shirley is very Renewable Energy Cooperative, is a lifelong with the goal of preventing youth suicide. He is a active in local health and wellness issues at the student of traditional medicine and an external certified ASIST (Applied Suicide Invention Skills community and territorial levels. She continues advisor to the Evaluation and Performance Training) trainer and is certified in mental health to live in Arviat with her husband, children and Measurement Review and Audit Committees of awareness. Through his governance training, he grandchildren. Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development teaches youth to practice good governance in their Canada. youth councils and organizations. John is actively involved in the cultural life of his community and coaches six different national sports. In addition to his community-based work, John is part of an international research group dedicated to preventing youth suicide in the circumpolar north. John is the proud father of a son.

Family is the Focus 25 APPENDIX PANELISTS

Colette Trudeau Landon Pearson Upon her retirement from the Senate in 2005, Landon Pearson moved with all her documents Colette Trudeau is a young Métis leader and The Honourable Landon Pearson O.C. is a long- and papers to Carleton University where she the Director of Youth for Métis Nation British time advocate for the rights and well-being of directs a Resource Centre for the Study of Columbia. Colette has worked hard to support children. As the wife of a Canadian diplomat she Childhood and Children’s Rights that has been Métis youth governance within the Métis Nation brought up their five children in five countries established in her name. The Landon Pearson British Columbia. She supports eight provincially and learned first-hand about the challenges Resource Centre is devoted to promoting the elected youth who sit on the Métis Youth British confronting the world’s children. She also learned rights of children and youth through disseminating Columbia (MYBC) Committee. to listen to her own. Prior to her appointment to knowledge about the UN Convention on the Senate of Canada in 1994, where she became the Rights of the Child, mentoring students, Colette is passionate about youth voice and is an known as the Children’s Senator as well as the sponsoring youth participation in a variety of active member of the Unified Aboriginal Youth Senator for Children, she had extensive experience settings, organizing lectures and seminars, and Collective (UAYC). She has also been fully as a volunteer with a number of local, national coordinating a growing network of child rights engaged in BC’s Off-Reserve Aboriginal Action and international organizations concerned with scholars across Canada. Landon Pearson is also Plan which has been composed of partners such children. adjunct professor in the Pauline Jewett Institute of as the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Women’s Studies. Centres, Métis Nation BC, and federal and As Vice-Chairperson of the Canadian Commission provincial governments in order to ensure for the International Year of the Child (1979), she Landon Pearson has published two books and Aboriginal communities, families and children are edited the Commission’s report, For Canada’s a number of articles on child-related issues, and empowered to achieve their full human potential Children: National Agenda for Action. From 1984 she continues to write about and to lecture on by improving socio-economic outcomes for off- to 1990, she served as President and then Chair children’s rights, especially the rights of children reserve Aboriginal people in BC. of the Canadian Council on Children and Youth. in difficult circumstances. She has received many She was a founding member and Chair of the awards, including the Canada Volunteer Award Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children in 1990 and several honourary doctorates. In from 1989 until she was summoned to the 2005, she was one among 1000 women world Senate. In May 1996, Senator Pearson was named wide nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her Advisor on Children’s Rights to the Minister of work on behalf of children. In July 2008 she was Foreign Affairs, and in 1998 became the Personal appointed to the Order of Canada as an Officer. Representative of the Prime Minister to the 2002 United Nations Special Session on Children. She then coordinated Canada’s response to the Special Session entitled, A Canada Fit for Children. 26 PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS Bringing Tradition Home: Native Child and Unresolved Issues in Nunavut Regina Early Learning Centre Aboriginal Parenting in Family Services of Toronto Today’s World Joe Karetak Mary-Ann McGrath and Lorna Wesaquate Jeff D’Hondt Finally recognition is being given The Regina Early Learning Centre Karen Isaac and Mary Burgaretta, to the need to provide supports and is a child and family development BC Aboriginal Child Care Society This clinical unit strives to provide families and children the necessary programs directed to dealing with centre which works with low support services and advocacy unresolved issues. For Inuit, these income families to foster the healthy BC Aboriginal Child Care Society issues are the colonial legacy that has development of children from (BCACCS) is committed to nurturing required to assist and empower them in achieving a healthy quality of disconnected families, devastated prenatal through five years of age. excellence through community our youth, and contributed to the Programs offered include: KidsFirst outreach, education, research life. A client/family centered plan is developed based on a holistic path high levels of substance use, family Home Visiting; Parents as Teachers and advocacy; to ensure every abuse and youth suicide. Wraparound Home Visiting; and Preschool Family Aboriginal child in BC has access to healing and recovery, including preventative and healing services for is a caregiving intervention process Outreach (group programs for to spiritually enriching, culturally that was developed in Alaska in parents and/or parents and children). relevant, high quality early childhood children, women and men using a combination of traditional cultural communities where formal services The Centre currently serves between development services. In April 2010 were either not available or were 230 and 250 children and their the BCACCS released its parenting approaches to health and healing and contemporary counseling techniques. inadequate. It is very similar to the families. resource: Bringing Tradition Home: Inuit process of aajiiqatigiiniq, long Aboriginal Parenting in Today’s Learn more at: www.nativechild.org used to promote healing and ensure Learn more at www.earlylearning.ca World (BTH). The aim of BTH is that harmony and balance was to present traditional values and present in our communities. cultural practices to help parents, grandparents and other family caregivers to raise healthy children in today’s urban Canadian context. Healthy children, with involved parents, lead to healthy communities. While there are many differences among Nations, there are some universal values, beliefs and practices that the program builds upon, such as story-telling, the spiritual connection to child-rearing, and the involvement of the extended family. BCACCS staff provide facilitator workshops upon request.

Learn more at: www.acc-society.bc.ca/files_2/ bringing-tradition-home.php

Family is the Focus 27 APPENDIX PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Mi’kmaq Family PRIDE Métis Community Services Ottawa Inuit Children’s Health Program Society of BC (MCSBC) Centre

Belinda Larente and Sandi DeLaronde Marilyn LeFrank and Stacey Bishop Val Richards Karen Baker Anderson

The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal The Mi’kmaq Family PRIDE Métis Community Services Society of The vision for the OICC is very Health is an urban, non-profit, Program provides prevention and BC (MCSBC) coordinates a number simple: strong culture, strong community-based health care centre protection supports to PEI’s First of strength-based family focused families, strong community. In that provides programs and services Nation children and families living programs that are facilitated within partnership with parents and the for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis on reserve. Using a holistic approach a “wrap-around” style of service community, the mission of the peoples. Established in the National to individual and family wellness, delivery that includes individual, Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre is Capital Region in 1998, the mandate the objective of the program is to family, and community levels of to foster strong and proud Inuit of the Wabano Centre is to prevent strengthen families and reduce practice. MCSBC is unique in that children, youth and families. ill health, treat illness, and provide the risk of harm to children. The it has a co-location agreement with Working with parents is not a support and aftercare programming. program was developed based on the Ministry of Children and Family separate program but is a way of Services and programs are offered the belief that children, families Development. Seven delegated social being in our agency. Fifty percent of in a culturally sensitive way that and communities benefit most from workers and a team leader provide our board of directors are parents of welcomes, accepts and represents all services that are sensitive to and family service and guardianship the children enrolled in programs. Aboriginal peoples. congruent with their cultural beliefs services from within the Métis We have an Early Years Advisory and traditional values. The program community office, and work closely Committee where all 10 members Learn more at: www.wabano.com provides a variety of services to with Métis cultural and support are parents. Parents volunteer in the children, youth and families and staff to strengthen vulnerable Métis program and we always recruit new also serves as a link between the families. MCSBC was nominated for staff through community. Every day provincial child protection program a Premier’s Award in 2013 for this at the centre, whether it is a parent and the PEI First Nations. unique style of collaborative service who has come in to ask for support delivery. or to volunteer or to just hang out Learn more at: www.mcpei.ca/FamilyPRIDE and have a coffee, they all know that Learn more at: www.mcsbc.org the OICC will welcome them and that they have a place to call home - a home that is safe, nurturing and values their culture because we know that where there is strong culture and strong families, there will be a strong community.

Learn more at: www.ottawainuitchildrens.com

28 Shared Care Child Care your facilitation skills, learn the Healthy Child Manitoba Manitoba Prenatal Benefit (MPB) Society basics of home visitation, or sharpen is universally available to eligible your storytelling skills, BCCF can Lisa Murdock and Louanne Beaucage First Nations women living on- help. reserve; Triple P training is provided Chris Mikeeuneak, Shared Care Society Healthy Child Manitoba is the to practitioners living and working Trainings include: Integrated in First Nations communities; The Shared Care Society is a Government of Manitoba’s long- Strategies for Home Visiting, Risk term, cross-departmental strategy Parent Child Coalitions can and volunteer group who offer early Management for Home Visitors, do provide funding to programs years programming in Arviat, NU. for putting children and families My Tween and Me, Reaching IN, first. Healthy Child Manitoba bridges in First Nations communities; the With one of the highest per capita Reaching OUT, Nobody’s Perfect, Roots of Empathy and Seeds of birth rates in Canada, Arviat has a departments and governments and, Parent Child Mother Goose Teacher together with the community, works Empathy Programs are delivered in focus on healthy support through Training, and Changing Fathers, First Nations communities through the provision of pre-natal/infant to ensure the best possible outcomes Evolving Practices and Journey to for all children in Manitoba. Based HCMO-facilitated training for local programs, early intervention, Healing: Suicide Postvention for staff; HCMO supports collection of Aboriginal Head Start for all 3 and 4 on research and best practice Youth. evidence, through Healthy Child the Early Development Instrument year olds, and child care for infants (EDI) for interested First Nations to 6 year olds. All the programs Manitoba the Province has invested Journey to Healing: Suicide in a number of core programs and communities. are delivered in Inuktitut through Postvention for Youth is a two-day culturally embedded practices. strategies for healthy child and training that brings together family adolescent development, from Learn more at: www.gov.mb.ca/healthychild service professionals, community the prenatal period to adulthood. BC Council for Families and youth leaders who support All of Healthy Child Manitoba’s Aboriginal youth, to explore the lived programs aim to serve Métis, Inuit Joel Kaplan experiences of bereaved youth, and and First Nations families living to develop strategies to support them off-reserve. Several programs BCCF is an organization that effectively. The ultimate goal of the serve First Nations families that trains and supports professionals training is to prevent youth suicide live on-reserve: The Healthy Baby throughout BC. Our trainings and adverse mental health effects in for professionals supporting and Aboriginal communities throughout working directly with families the province. are comprehensive, in-depth, challenging, and effective. Each Learn more at: www.bccf.ca session is developed using a rigorous set of criteria to include relevant, informative content, encourage participant interaction, and emphasize practical skill building. Whether you’re looking to refresh

Family is the Focus 29 APPENDIX EVENT PHOTOS

All event photos reproduced with permission © 2015 Cat Sivertsen 30 Family is the Focus 31 sharing knowledge · making a difference partager les connaissances · faire une différence ᖃᐅᔨᒃᑲᐃᖃᑎᒌᓃᖅ · ᐱᕚᓪᓕᖅᑎᑦᑎᓂᖅ

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 1 250 960 5250 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA [email protected] 3333 UNIVERSITY WAY, PRINCE GEORGE, BC V2N 4Z9 WWW.NCCAH.CA