Child & Family Services support the safety and well-being of First Nations children ordinarily residing on-reserve.
This ATC program supports the delivery of culturally appropriate prevention and protection services for First Nations children and families, in accordance with the legislation and standards of Alberta.
All children are protected by provincial or territorial child welfare legislation as child and family services are matters of provincial or territorial jurisdiction.
In the May 2016 fires, this building was burnt down. We are actively working to re-establish this infrastructure, working through the licensing and staffing processes to get this important service operating.
We will keep members updated as we progress. Thank you for your patience and support!
Success Stories
The older community men had invited this young man to go on a hunt with them. This opportunity was exciting, as it was the young man's first hunt. He was ready to spend time learning the land and cultural ways of surviving and hunting.
Throughout the hunt, the young man was attentive. He was looking forward to having an opportunity to shoot his first caribou, with the support of the men who had invited him on this trip. When the opportunity arose, the young man did, indeed, shoot his first caribou. This was a moment of pride for all those on the trip.
The caribou was shared with the community, including the young man's family and Elders. For his bravery and success, the young man was later given a ribbon shirt.
For children and their families, this time of year bring excitement and celebration as they gather and enjoy being together. Some activities organized by staff included: a traditional turkey meal, face painting, laser tag and video games for the children.
With more than 80 people attending, including the CFS staff, it was an energetic party!
Next year there are discussions about a different type of party, to which the staff are already looking into options and planning for December 2018.
Often clients experience gaps and barriers, for example transportation to a health-related meeting or medical appointment, or they are facing financial challenges. In her role, Lori works as a resource to support these families. She connects parents and youth living on their own with the services and support they need to build the necessary skills to become healthier families and individuals.
In Lori’s words, the work she does “keeps the families together before issues turn into big issues. Parents are the best ones to take care of their kids and we want to encourage and support that.”
She also works closely with the First Nations, supporting the work they do for their members and the families in their communities. For example, she has worked with Candace Black, NNADAP Wellness Coordinator at Chipewyan Prairie First Nation Health Center, by putting together donation baskets with essential items like laundry and cleaning supplies, and fun kits for movie nights and bannock making.