ANCFSAO Congratulates Kunuwanimano Child and Family Services on its Designation

Toronto, ON, May 1, 2015 – The Association of Native Child and Family Service Agencies of Ontario (ANCFSAO) applauds the recent designation of Kunuwanimano Child and Family Services (KCFS) as Ontario’s newest children’s aid society.

On April 30, 2015 the Honourable Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Children and Youth Services, announced that effective May 1, 2015 KCFS is designated as a children’s aid society pursuant to subsection 15(2) of the Child and Family Services Act. The designation will result in KCFS assuming child protection services for 11 First Nation communities and Aboriginal population in Northeastern Ontario.

First Nations have an inherent authority to make decisions on child welfare matters that affect members of the First Nation Bands. This inherent authority is recognized in Part X of the Child and Family Services Act.  KFCS operates in a manner that respects this inherent authority, and First Nations participation in decision-making on child welfare matters is at the center of every matter affecting the child and the family.

Established in 1989 with the vision that it would operate in a manner that recognizes the unique culture and values of the First Nations it services, KCFS embraces a service model that is community-developed, sensitive to the unique needs of children, youth, families and communities, and builds on the strengths of First Nations culture, traditions and child rearing practices.

A designation ceremony will take place on May 21, 2015 in Wahgoshing First Nation.

Quotes

“This designation marks a significant milestone. Kunuwanimano Child and Family Services joins eight other Aboriginal children’s aid societies in Ontario dedicated to providing culturally appropriate child welfare services to Aboriginal children and youth. Our government is pleased to be working alongside KCFS to strengthen child welfare services for First Nations children, while ensuring that they stay connected to their culture and community.”

– Tracy MacCharles
Minister of Children and Youth Services

“Kunuwanimano Child and Family Services achieved their journey towards designation after 25 years. KCFS mandate is to provide culturally appropriate child welfare services to First Nations children, youth and families. KCFS is the ninth First Nation organization to achieve designation as a Children’s Aid Society, in working closely with their sister agencies towards “Keeping Our Own” (Ojibwe meaning of Kunuwanimano).  This day is not only a day of reconciliation, but also a historic day for the First Nations and Aboriginal communities of Kunuwanimano Child and Family Services. It is a day of gratitude and thanks for the dedication of the work the Chiefs, Board of Directors, and staff both past and present, have achieved. Chi Miigwich.”

– Jean Lemieux
Chair, Kunuwanimano Child and Family Services

“We are so proud to have another First Nations agency receive their designation. The hard work and perseverance of Mr. Micheal Miller, KCFS Executive Director, KCFS staff and the leadership of the First Nations is highly commendable. The Association looks forward to working together with Kunuwanimano as we continue our journey in Aboriginal Child Welfare. This journey is one based on self-determination, sovereignty and community control.”

– Darcia Borg
Vice President, Association of Native Child and Family Service Agencies of Ontario

“Kunuwanimano was born from the vision of community leaders and Elders who recognized that the mainstream child welfare model was not working. Through their vision, the talented staff at KCFS, and on-going support and mentorship by sister agency Anishnaabe Abinoojii, today the vision of community-control over child welfare decision making has been realized.”

– Steven Vanloffeld
Executive Director, Association of Native Child and Family Service Agencies of Ontario

About ANCFSAO

Incorporated in 1994, the ANCFSAO is mandated to build a better life for all Aboriginal children through promoting the culturally based delivery of quality family services to Aboriginal people in Ontario. The ANCFSAO is a membership-based organization acts as a resource in assisting its member agencies toward the provision of quality Native child welfare and related services to Aboriginal people through education and training, policy development and analyses, and research and advocacy.

For more information:

​Mr. Michael Miller
Executive Director
Kunuwanimano Child and Family Services
Telephone: (705) 268-9033
Email: micheal.miller@kunuwanimano.com

Steven Vanloffeld
Executive Director
Association of Native Child and Family Service Agencies of Ontario
Telephone: (647) 258-8305
Email: svanloffeld@ancfsao.ca