Nawash Native Child Welfare

As Anishnaabeg, we hold a sacred Responsibility to protect and care for children, to support and sustain our families, and nurture a healthy community environment by providing a rang of community-based and culturally appropriate services for children and families. It is our intent that all our children remain connected to our heritage, our culture, and our First Nation.

Family Support Program
The Family Support Program provides various voluntary services to Band members families. It acts as a liaison between families and off-reserve child welfare agencies. This program also offers parenting programs twice per year as well as parenting information to those who request it. The Family Support Program also provides a Foster Care component. We offer support and assistance to foster parents and children in care within our community. This component also helps in the recruitment of new foster parents within the community. Foster Care is an important step in keeping Band member children within their home community.

Child Support Program
Works in accordance with the Family and Children’s Services Act, specifically Section X – Indian and Native Child and Family Services. Works primarily within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding to advocate, provide support services, & referrals for children in care. Will run a personal safety program for school aged children from Jr kindergarten to grade 7.

Nawash Youth Group
Teens between the ages of 13-18 make up this group. We provide many different activities through this program such as Teen’s Night, Drop In, workshops, fundraisers and cultural activities. During different times of the year we attend conferences, workshops, and other recreational activities off reserve. Workshop topics range from issues such as health, social, personal, career, and life skills training. We offer pre-parenting sessions yearly. Our Teen’s night is held Wednesday nights at the community centre. During this time the youth participate in a variety of recreational activities. Drop In is open Friday nights at the Native Child Welfare building. Some of the equipment available include: 48″ TV, VCR/DVD player, pool table, board games, a computer and kitchen facilities. Transportation is available home after each event.

Right to Play
The objective of the PLAY Program is to build on the strengths of Aboriginal youth and their communities, while supporting the value of culture and identity. The PLAY Program is a multi-faceted program that is tailored to specific needs of each community, is designed in partnership with the community and aim to support children and youth to develop and strengthen essential life-skills. Prior to implementation, community members participate in a thorough needs assessment that guides the design of the program. The PLAY program is being implemented in partnership with First Nation communities, Tribal Councils And variety of Aboriginal organizations across Ontario.