Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services CULTURAL SERVICE

Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services CULTURAL SERVICE MODEL Sharing Our Story

INTRODUCTIONS 2 Gail Assiniwe June Manitowabi Executive Assistant Chair / Lead, Cultural Wellness Committee Co-Lead, Elder’s Advisory Council Service Manager Wilma Debassige Cultural Enaadaamaaget Jim Fox Cultural Coordinator Co-Chair, Elder’s Advisory Council

Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services’ serves 7 First Nation communities within the Districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Aundeck Omni Kaning M’Chigeeng Sheguiandah Sheshegwaning Whitefish River Wiikwemkoong Zhiibaahaasing 3

Kina Gbezhgomi Office Locations WIKWEMIKONG – Main Office 98 Pottawatomi Avenue Wikwemikong, Ontario POP 2 J 0 WIKWEMIKONG – WUIR Band Administrative Office 19 A Complex Drive Wikwemikong, Ontario POP 2 J 0 WIKWEMIKONG – Chi Noodin Business Centre 15 Edward Street, Unit 6 Wikwemikong, Ontario POP 2 J 0 4 Toll Free: 1 -800 -268 -1899 Direct: (705) 859 -2100 Fax: (705) 895 -2195 Toll Free: 1 -877 -379 -1010 Direct: (705) 859 -1010 Fax: (705) 859 -1621 Toll Free: 1 -877 -379 -1010 Direct: (705) 859 -3601 Fax: (705) 859 -3629 M’CHIGEENG – Complex 72 Highway 551, Unit 2 M’Chigeeng, Ontario POP 1 G 0 SUDBURY – Newgate Office 866 Newgate Avenue, Unit 1 Sudbury, Ontario P 3 A 5 J 9 Toll Free: 1 -855 -377 -5404 Direct: (705) 377 -5404 Fax: (705) 377 -5403 Toll Free: 1 -866 -299 -2773 Direct: (705) 885 -9910 Fax: (705) 560 -3988

KGCFS GROWTH from an Anishinabe Worldview Perspective Pre-Conception Spiritual Birth April 1, 2015 Designation Achieved 1991 to 2015 Prevention Services (Agency Naming Ceremony, Clan, Colours and Spiritual Bundle) 1984 Proposal 'Our Children, Our Responsibility' Physical Birth Adult Responsibilities Early Life Growth and Developments 5 1991 Incorporated

Statement 6 • We recognize that culture is unique to each individual Nation and Tribe; however, we also recognize that certain elements of culture may also be considered ‘universal’ in beliefs, traits and practices of Indigenous worldviews. • For our purpose at KGCFS, we are adapting our own Anishinabek Bimaadiziwin [our way of life] based upon our own traditional and territorial practices guided by our Elders Advisory Council. • This presentation will serve as information only with an understanding that our cultural developments will continue as work in progress.

KGCFS CULTURAL FOUNDATION 7

INHERENT JURISDICTION 8 Our First Nations Leadership have always demonstrated their Inherent rights to govern our nations by virtue of the authority of the Creator by exercising our Sovereign, Inherent, and Treaty Rights to protect and preserve Anishinabe culture, languages, customs, traditions and practices. Our Anishinabek Nations are represented by our Chiefs and have the ultimate decision making authority to fulfill, express and protect the will of the people. The Chiefs and Councils have acted and continue to act, pursuant to the seven laws, the Grandfather teachings and the traditions and customs of our Anishinabek people. Our Chiefs and Councils have the fiduciary obligation and responsibility to its band members, especially the children.

AGENCY PREAMBLE (August 2017) WHEREAS, sovereignty is a natural and inherent right as gifted by Gzhe’ Mnidoo to the Anishinabek. Wiidjiindiwin Ekidoomgak. WHEREAS, the Anishinabek retain their sovereignty and continue to govern themselves as their ancestors have since the beginning of time. (The Anishinaabek were gifted to govern themselves). WHEREAS, the historical intent and vision of Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services was to support the establishment of a Child and Family Services Agency to act in accordance with the laws, traditions and customs of the Anishinabek to ensure the protection of their families and their children until such time member First Nations determine and assume their inherent right to provide and deliver child welfare service [responsibility] on behalf of their First Nation members. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services proclaim that we are an Anishinabek Agency servicing Anishinabek people to ensure services are delivered by honouring the Anishinabek way of life. 9 (An agreement of membership). Anishinaabek g. II miingowiwziwag wiinwaa wii bmaaknidsowaad/waa eshinogdowendeswaat. Gii mjimnanaa'aa maanda. Bmaaknidsowag gwa gaawii geyaabi naasaab gchi miwzha gaabi zhi naagdowendizwaad. (They believed in this. They govern themselves but not the same way as they did years ago). Maaba Kina Gbezhgomi Binoojiinhyin miinwaa Ngodoode Bemiikwaajig niigan nikeyaa eshi-kawaabwag. Nasdawendaan dash wenbik ji zhichigaadegba Wiidjiindiwin. (This Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services are looking after their future. They understand that on the interim that this will be the arrangement for the membership agreement). Anishinaabe aadiziwin miinwaa Anishinaabe maakonigewin aga penmonnaa'aa jwii waankii'endamawaad bemnaawsajig minwaa ge'e ada binoojiinhmiwaan. (The Anishinaabe way of life and the Anishinaabe governance / sovereignty will provide the strength and confidence to move forward for the people and their families). Biinish dash enso bezhik Anishinaabe dinokiiwiwnan ji ni piitendizwaad wii nchike bizwaad da wiijiiwewag zhanda Wiijiindwining. (Until every one of the Anishinaabe communities shall gain the strength / ability to become independent they will be members of this agreement). Giizhendaagwad dash maaba Kina Gbezhgomi Biinoojiinhyin miinwaa Ngodoode Bemiikwaajig kidwag Anishinaabe bemiikaagejig ndaawmaawag miinwaa Anishinaabek nbimiikwaanaanik, mnaadendaanaa Anishinaabe aadiziwin, miimaanda en-nokaazyaang miikoonggidwaa gwonda Anishinaabek. (It is therefore going to happen, that Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services are providing the cultural / traditional care and that we respect the Anishinaabe way of life and this is what we will use to deliver services to the Anishinaabek).

VISION & MISSION 10 Vision Statement Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services will honour and support our family’s and community’s inherent authority to care for their children based on unity, traditions, values, beliefs and customs. Mission Statement Our services ensure children are protected and stay connected with their culture, language and community while strengthening family and community relationships.

SERVICE PRINCIPLES (April 16, 2013) 11 That all Prevention and Child Welfare Services delivered are culturally based utilizing traditions and practices that strengthen cultural identity for children and families. That all Prevention and Child Welfare Services delivered will support children remaining in their communities with healthy caregivers to stay connected with their roots, culture and language. That Child Welfare Services will be family-centered and family-focused while not compromising the safety and well-being of the child. That Child Welfare Services will use innovative, collaborative processes that empower children, families and communities to participate in all aspects of case planning and decision making. That all Prevention and Child Welfare Services will place emphasis on supporting families based on honest and open communication to create relationships and partnerships.

CULTURAL STANDARDS and CULTURAL CONGRUENCIES (Approved In-principal / May 2018) © 12

CULTURAL STANDARDS and CULTURAL CONGRUENCIES (Approved In-principal / May 2018) © 13

CULTURAL STANDARDS and CULTURAL CONGRUENCIES (Approved In-principal / May 2018) © 14

CULTURAL STANDARDS and CULTURAL CONGRUENCIES (Approved In-principal / May 2018) © 15

CULTURAL STANDARDS and CULTURAL CONGRUENCIES (Approved In-principal / May 2018) © 16

CULTURAL STANDARDS and CULTURAL CONGRUENCIES (Approved In-principal / May 2018) © 17

ANISHINABE BEST PRACTICES 18 Identification of traditional and territorial practices that are least intrusive as they would apply to the delivery of child welfare whereby we will focus on wholistic, reciprocal and intervention relationships:

CULTURAL COMPONENTS 19

CULTURAL WELLNESS COMMITTEE • The Cultural Wellness Committee [2012] is a consultative planning forum at present is comprised of staff whom represent agency departments whom serve on a voluntary basis. Each committee member is unique in what they contribute and offer: life experiences, traditional knowledge, ceremonial practices and also dance at pow-wows. • Committee members provide advice and recommendations on future cultural developments which may contribute to the implementation of cultural and wellness standards, development and adaptation of policies and procedures, cultural practices into the agency’s wide delivery of services including training and educational sessions to internal and external collaterals. 20

5 -YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 21 Priority 2. CULTURE GOAL Our services ensure children are protected and stay connected with their culture, language and community while strengthening family and community relationships utilizing Elder supports and services. OBJECTIVES: We, KGCFS will ensure opportunities are provided to children to know their cultural identity and family history. We, KGCFS will empower our spirit as an Anishinabe organization by ensuring we have our spiritual helpers that will empower us to work in a good way with our people. The Executive Director will ensure the responsibility of spiritual / sacred bundle and items are appropriately assigned on behalf of our Anishinabe organization. Advocate for Cultural Resources as required. Bi-Cultural practice.

TRADITIONAL / SPIRITUAL SERVICES MANUAL 22 Traditional/Spiritual Services [2014] is a path of wholistic wellness and we at KGCFS attempt to assist in the identification of cultural services to address the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness / health of the child and family. We strive to promote and educate on traditional healing practices to assist individuals to correct unhealthy (learned) behaviours, influence positive changes to re-establish selfidentities by reinforcing healthy behaviours, lifestyles and family unity in a therapeutic and cultural manner. Additionally, KGCFS staff will receive the required supports to ensure educational training is offered in areas surrounding traditional teachings, customs and performing a variety of required ceremonies to assist them with their own individual wellness in their helper capacity in child welfare. This policy and procedural manual serves as an administrative guide to assure the safety and protection in the delivery of Traditional/Spiritual Services provided by KGCFS.

CULTURAL STAFFING 23 (1) Cultural Coordinator Position (2014) The Cultural Coordinator (CC) reports to the Service Supervisor. The CC provides relevant, competent cultural support services to all member First Nation children and families respective of the local traditions, customs, values, and practices with promotion of utilizing holistic approaches within the Medicine Wheel to assure balance of physical, mental, social/emotional and spiritual needs to achieve “Mino Bimaadziwin” – the Good Life. (2) Cultural Enaadaamaaget Positions (1 -Island 2015 / 1 -Sudbury 2018) The Cultural Enaadaamaaget will work in collaborative cooperation with the Cultural Coordinator to implement the annual work plan / annual calendar and in the delivery of job functions to assist children, families, staff and community partners for the preservation and promotion of traditional practices within member First Nations, to strengthen the cultural identity for children, families, and staff and ensure children stay connected with their culture, language and community.

TRADITIONAL / SPIRITUAL ADVISORS 24 Kina Gbezhgomi CFS acknowledges that healing for all life flows from the Creator and must be honored and respected by all those who possess the gifts of helping others. Traditional resources may be considered, but not limited to: • Elders Grandfathers/Grandmothers • Traditional Practitioners Traditional Counselors • Traditional Teachers Medicinal Practitioners • Knowledge Keepers Pipe Carriers • Lodge Keepers Helpers • Language Speakers Historians Traditional / Spiritual Advisors complete an interview and screening process prior to approval to provide contractor service on behalf of KGCFS. Traditional services are provided within the Districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin and to children in care whom may be placed outside our service delivery area.

ELDERS ADVISORY COUNCIL 25 The Elders Advisory Council [2016] will assist KGCFS within an advisory capacity to provide insight, guidance and advice to the Board of Directors. Each member First Nation can appoint up to two (2) designates and two (2) alternates. The Elders Advisory Council will make recommendations that will assist to identify areas of development on the future of the agency’s wide range in the delivery of services to involve Anishinabemowin Language, Traditions, Cultural practices including guidance in ceremonies, teachings and in the retention, reintroducing and reviving spiritual values within all agency levels.

EAC Recommendation and Approval Process 26 DIAGRAM: ELDERS ADVISORY COUNCIL Recommendation Approval Process 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. EAC discussion at meeting EAC makes a recommendation by Consensus / recorded and placed onto a Recommendation Tracking Sheet EAC Recommendation Tracking Sheet is provided to the Board of Directors at their next regular meeting Board of Directors review / consider or comment on EAC Recommendations or ensue resolution to approve Update to be provided at the next EAC meeting after the Board of Directors meeting to report upon EAC Recommendations KGCFS will forward the Board approved EAC Recommendations to the First Nations Leadership on a quarterly basis regarding the status of acceptance or non-acceptance of recommendation inclusive of status of implementation 6. 1. 5. 2. 4. 3.

CULTURAL SERVICE FRAMEWORK Cultural Safety Cultural Standards (Norms / Trust) And Competencies Culturally Appropriate Service (Bi-Cultural) Best Practices (Community Models) 27 Performance / Measurements Healing and Strengths Based Family Preservation CWC / Strategic Plan / Manual / Staff / EAC CULTURAL FRAMEWORK Preamble (Anishinaabe Way of Life) CULTURAL FOUNDATION

ON-GOING CULTURAL DEVELOPMENTS: CULTURAL MAP © 28 Agency Preamble / Cultural Foundation Agency Service Model: Anishinabe Aadizawin Bi-Cultural / Anishinabe Best Practices / Strengths Based / Family Preservation HUMAN RESOURCES Cultural Competencies Recruitment Job Postings Screening Process Interview Process Orientation Process Cultural Assessment / Measurement Tools Anishinabe Aadizawin ORGANIZATIONAL Cultural Standards Cultural Training Plan Self Reflection Anishinabemowin Own Responsibility Fluency Anishinabe Worldview / Experiences and Practices Wholistic Wellness Annual Performance Process Agency Assistance Identify Mandatory Areas General Staff Meetings Lunch and Learn Sessions Agency Sweats Agency Sponsored Events Anishinabe Cultural Competency Training Sessions SERVICE DELIVERY Cultural Standards Children in Care Customary Care Anishinabe Rights in Care [Parental and Grandparent Rights] Anishinabe Practices Culturally Responsive Educate, Retain and Protect Approach in Service Delivery Cultural Service Planning Cultural Assessment / Measurement Tools Retain Connection Healing Reunification Prevention and Decentralization [First Nations]

CULTURAL SERVICES 29

EXISTING CULTURAL SERVICES DELIVERED 30 • Offer smudge bowl and medicines to children upon admission into care • Referrals to coordinate: a) Home visits for purpose of Matching and Mentorship with Elders for children, youth in care and foster families for traditional counselling, traditional teachings or ceremonies, b) Traditional Resource support for youth-in-transition including residential homes • Cedar Baths for children, youth in care, foster families and KGCFS staff for cleansing and wellness • Support for Repatriation / Reunification Ceremonies as requested by member First Nations (community-based and led by the First Nation) • Traditional / Ceremonial regalia for ceremonial preparation or powwow • Naming Ceremonies for children, youth in care and families

EXISTING CULTURAL SERVICES DELIVERED 31 • Bi-weekly Lunch and Learn Sessions for staff and community members: Anishinabemowin, Hand Drumming, Traditional Teachings and Wellness / Self Care areas • Elders-in-Residence at each office location • Agency Sweat Lodge located in Wiikwemkoong and one accessible within the urban area (Sudbury) for agency service users and staff • Purchase of resources for cultural requirements, i. e. – sound system, tipi’s and canvas, sweat lodge equipment, drum making material, Native Language resources for staff and families including tablets of Anishinabemowin app for children in care, camping gear and supplies • Fasting Teachings and Fasting Ceremonies for youth-in-care in Spring and Fall

EXISTING CULTURAL SERVICES DELIVERED 32 • Evening Cultural Programming and Activities for children-incare, foster families, staff and community members • Staff Development Day making of Sacred bundle items, e. g. shakers and hand drums • Winter and Summer Cultural Camps for children-in-care and foster families • Host Mid-Winter Round Dance Social • Collaboration with other Service agencies events as requested- Fall Harvests, Three Fires Gathering • First Nation requests for promotional / informational booth at community events and functions

EXISTING CULTURAL SERVICES DELIVERED 33 CULTURAL DAY EVENTS KGCFS hosts Bi-Annual Cultural Days Events in Wiikwemkoong and the City of Greater Sudbury Area in collaboration with other Anishinabe organizations. The intent in the delivery of Cultural Day Events is to provide a safe environment for those who may be seeking healing of one’s spirit. This even allows an opportunity for individuals to receive traditional teachings and connect with traditional knowledge keepers. The workshops and sessions shall assist to promote, educate and preserve the Anishinaabek way of life.

EXISTING CULTURAL SERVICES DELIVERED 34 Primary traditional teachings are delivered at each Cultural Day Event: i) Rites of Passage / 7 Stages of Life ii) Traditional Gifts iii) Two-Spirited iv) Woman Roles and Responsibilities v) Men Roles and Responsibilities vi) Anishinaabemowin Language vii) Anishinabek History including Traditional and Sacred Laws Secondary teachings can be coordinated in accordance to community and / or social needs. Activities shall be coordinated and delivered for children and youth that are to be age appropriate with emphasis to focus upon cultural demonstrations to promote Anishinaabe Language, Dance, Music, Arts and Crafts, Theatre (Story Tellers) and other Traditional Practices such as Medicines, Harvesting and Trapping).

EXISTING CULTURAL SERVICES DELIVERED 35 ORIENTATION PROCESS • Development of an agency cultural orientation tool entitled, ‘Our Way of Life’ delivered to new agency employees that will consist of this presentation and a teaching regarding the medicines. Further development of curriculum and orientation in this area has been assigned to the Elders Advisory Council and the Cultural Wellness Committee • Development of a ‘Draft’ Self-Assessment Tool to measure cultural congruencies of new agency employee(s) • Current collaboration with collateral service providers: Kenjgewin-Teg Educational Institute, Noojmowin-Teg Health Centre, Ojibwe Cultural Foundation and KGCFS in the development of a Cultural Resource Orientation Guide

GIIZHIITAANG We realize what we have shared in this presentation is in accordance to our Anishinabe Aadiziwin practices at Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services. Each of us were given the sacred responsibility for the care and nurturance of our children. We welcome opportunities to network as we encourage all of us involved in child welfare to collectively work together to maximize our full potentials in cultural developments. Let us now honour ancestors and teachings to revive our Anishinabe Bimaadiziwin for our children, their families and our communities. 36

QUESTIONS? 37 Miigwetch! Graphics credit - Dolly Peltier (Assiniwe)