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Our Children Our Way Indigenous Child & Family News - October 2023 - Issue #29 | |
Welcome from Mary Teegee, Chair
The 2023 Our Children Our Way Conference is one of the ways we come together to learn from each other and amplify the good work that supports wellness for our children and families. Over the next three days, we invite you to find and create many more opportunities for us all to work together for our children.
In 2021, the Our Children Our Way website announced that we were on the precipice of change. In many ways, we have been on the precipice of change for decades. More
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Mary Teegee with Spirit Bear | |
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Greetings from Jennifer Chuckry
Executive Director, Our Children Our Way Society
What an exciting time to have joined the Our Children Our Way Society!
Our conference coordination team, along with the Secretariat, has been busy with the final details for the 2023 Our Children Our Way Conference and we are thrilled to be hosting you!
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Over three full days, we will be actively engaged in collaboration, relationship building and knowledge exchange amongst Indigenous child and family service practitioners and other professionals across Turtle Island. Our hearts will remain centered on the well-being of Indigenous children, youth, and families while focusing in on community healing in the context of child and family services. We wish each of you safe travels.
We are looking forward to experiencing the gifts you bring with you in your heart and learning from you and the ways in which you support Indigenous children, youth, families and communities.
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October is Foster Family Month in British Columbia
The Indigenous Child & Family Services Directors Our Children Our Way Society raises its hands to foster parents and caregivers across British Columbia as we recognize October as Foster Family Month.
Everyday, foster parents and caregivers open their hearts to care for children and youth who are unable to remain in the care of their parents.
We raise our hands to you for the love, kindness, and compassion you show to our children and youth and how you care for their spirits through incredibly difficult circumstances. The role you play in these little lives is sacred and we honour you.
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Right now more than 1,000 kids across BC need temporary foster families. Many of these children and teens come from tough places, but fostering can have a huge positive impact on their lives. If you're interested in becoming a foster parent, here are some places to start:
Visit the Ministry of Children and Family Development's website to hear stories from foster parents and learn more about becoming a foster parent, or reach out to the BC Foster Parents Association (BCFPA) or the Indigenous Perspectives Society (IPS) to take the first step.
Jennifer Chuckry
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About the 2023 Our Children Our Way Conference | |
The 2nd Annual Our Children Our Way Conference aims to create a space for collaboration, relationship building, and knowledge exchange among Indigenous child and family service providers and communities.
The conference provides an opportunity for attendees to strengthen their networks and enhance their understanding of effective approaches to supporting Indigenous children, youth, and families.
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By addressing various aspects of practice, policy, community healing, operational development, and jurisdictional pathways, the conference seeks to contribute to the ongoing enhancement of Indigenous child and family services across the country.
Key Areas of Focus
1. Best Practice: Participants have the chance to explore and discuss innovative practices and interventions that promote the well-being and development of Indigenous children and families.
2. Policy: The conference will offer a platform to examine policies and frameworks relevant to Indigenous child and family services. Discussions may focus on policy development, implementation, and evaluation, with the goal of enhancing policies that reflect the unique needs and aspirations of Indigenous communities.
3. Community Healing: Recognizing the historical trauma and ongoing impacts of colonization, the conference addresses the importance of community healing in the context of child and family services. Participants may explore culturally appropriate healing practices, trauma-informed care, and strategies to support community well-being.
4. Operational Development: The conference will provide insights into operational aspects of Indigenous child and family services, such as service delivery models, organizational development, and resource management.
5. Jurisdictional Pathways: The conference acknowledges the importance of Indigenous
self-determination and jurisdiction in child and family services. It offers a platform to discuss jurisdictional frameworks, legal considerations, and collaborative approaches to govern and deliver services.
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Dr. Cindy Blackstock - Keynote Speaker
On October 03, 2023 Dr. Cindy Blackstock, Ph.D. and Child Rights Hero, was the recipient of the 2023 World’s Children’s Prize for the Rights of the Child. Previous winners include Malala Yousafzai, Nelson Mandela, and Desmond Tutu.
Dr. Blackstock was presented the World's Children's Prize by Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden in a ceremony at Gripsholm Castle in Mariefred, Sweden.
Dr. Cindy Blackstock (Gitxsan) will present the Keynote address in Ballroom B/C on Wednesday, October 18 at 8:45am.
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Presentations by over 50 organizations, governments, and individuals
Conference Agenda
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Alberta Children and Family Services, ABAOCFS, MB
Ayas Men Men Child & Family Services, BC Aboriginal Child Care Society, BC
Brunswick House First Nation, ON
Carrier Sekani Family Services, BC
Child and Youth Mental Health Policy, Ministry of Children and Family Development, BC
Dakota Tiwahe Services, MB
Dr Barbara Harris AKA Charming, BC
Esketemc First Nations, BC
Family and Community Support Services, Cold Lake First Nations, AB
Feather Light Defence
Fogler, Rubinoff LLP, ON
Fraser Health, BC
Gitxsan Child & Family Services Society, BC
Indigenous Child & Family Services Directors Our Children Our Way Society, BC
Kinonjeoshtegon Jordan's Principle- MB
Kinosao Sipi Minisowin Agency, MB
Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child and Family Service Society, BC
Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services, BC
Kyah Wiget Education Society, BC
Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services, BC
Mediate BC Society, BC
Metis Nation British Columbia (MNBC)
Michelle Stoney, Gitxsan Artist, BC
Ministry of Children and Family Development, BC
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MNP
NIL TU, O Child and Family Services Society, BC
Northwest Inter-Nations Children & Family Community Services, BC
Nukumi House Prevention Programs, NB
Ontario Native Women's Association, ON
Our Children Our Way Society Secretariat, BC
Prince George Native Friendship Centre, BC
Ratcliff LLP
Representative for Children & Youth, BC
Sacred Waters, BC
Sagkeeng Child and Family Services, BC
School District 49, BC
Signs of Safety/Chimo Youth Retreat, BC
Simpcw First Nation, BC
South Island Wellness Society, BC
Southern Chiefs' Organization Inc., MB
Southern First Nation Network of Care, MB
Spirit of Oya - Soul Centered Productions
Splatsin, BC
Spotlight: Child Welfare, BC
Takla Nation, BC
The Ontario Native Women’s Association, ON
UBC Human Early Learning Partnership, BC
University of Northern British Columbia, BC
Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society, BC
Wet'suwet'en Treaty Office Society, BC
Xyolhemeylh, Fraser Valley Aboriginal Children and Family Services Society, BC
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Information Booths & Vendors
Amanda Ruthbeads
Canada Revenue Service
Cheryl's Trading Post
Community Living BC
Copper Canoe Woman
Creations by AnTee
First Nations Health Authority
First Nations Innovations
HawkLace
Indigenous Perspectives Society
Ironstar Homes
Keep it Native
Learning Disabilities Society
Marriella Key
Mustimuhw Information Solutions
PGT
RedMane Technology
Representative for Children & Youth
Salmon Jerky Girls
Sheena Olito
Shining Bear Designs
Stance Media
Stewart Creations
Sweetgrass soap
Swu wa Beads
Wolfpack Apparel
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Our Children Our Way
Bring Your Sparkle Gala
An evening to celebrate the heart work of Indigenous child and family practitioners, and leaders
Bring Your Sparkle Gala Tickets
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In the Spirit of Generosity - thank you to our Sponsors | |
Eagle Sponsors: "Great Strength, Leadership, Prestige" | |
Bear Sponsor: "Strength, Learned Humility, Teaching" | |
Hummingbird Sponsors: "Love, Intelligence, Spirit Messenger" | |
About the Indigenous Child & Family Services Directors Our Children Our Way Society
The Indigenous Child and Family Services Directors represents the 24 First Nation, Inuit and Métis Indigenous Agencies in British Columbia. For decades, we have been advocating for the resumption of support and care for our children and youth.
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Our mission is to support Indigenous Nations’ visions for jurisdiction and self-government pertaining to the well-being of their children and youth.
We aim to speak with a collective and expert voice on child welfare matters, with a focus on systemic changes to policy, practice, legislation, and funding to ensure the best interests of Indigenous children are being met. In a nutshell: our children, our way.
Join us! Become a Society Member
The Our Children Our Way Society is opening its membership to Nations, Section 35 Rights Holders, and Indigenous child and family serving organizations endorsed by the communities they serve. Find out more in our Society Information Pamphlet and apply for membership using the form here.
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Practice Differently
Sharing a beautiful video by Carrier Sekani Family Services, a leading Indigenous health and social services provider.
Visit www.PracticeDifferently.ca to learn how you can become part of the change and join their team.
HÍSW̱ḴE SIÁM, All Our Relations!
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