Keewatin Tribal Council CFS C.24 (Bill C-92)

Consultation and Engagement

Working together

Let's work together to build a stronger, brighter future for our children and families.

The project is dedicated to building a strong, supportive environment for children and families. It emphasizes continuous community involvement to ensure that all stakeholders stay engaged and informed throughout the process. A comprehensive communication plan has been established to keep everyone updated on progress and developments, fostering transparency and participation. By prioritizing communication and community engagement, the project aims to successfully achieve its goals and objectives..

Leadership and Management

Organizational Chart

Consultation and Engagement

Over the past three years, KTC has conducted extensive consultations with the Nations, gathering input and guidance to shape the CFS law and reform process. These consultations have included:

  • Steering and Elders Advisory Committees: Groups of community leaders and elders offering wisdom and direction.
  • Elder Language Speaker Sessions: Bringing forward Indigenous knowledge and language in the reform process and ensuring language revitalization by including Ininew and Denesuline languages in all aspects of the new legislation and so on.
  • Community Information Sessions: Engaging community members in discussions to ensure their input and concerns are integrated.
  • Sharing Circles, Conferences, and Retreats: Offering spaces for deeper engagement, reflection, and gathering of ideas.

The reform efforts are centered on honoring the KTC Nations' cultural heritage and practices, ensuring that the care of children and families is rooted in Indigenous knowledge and self-governance. The reform aims not only to address the shortcomings of the current system but also to affirm the dignity and rights of Indigenous peoples in all aspects of child welfare.

Steering Committee / Elders Advisory Responsibilities:

The responsibilities outlined for the Steering Committee, Elders Advisory, and Elders Language group in the context of the Child and Family Services (CFS) reform project are comprehensive and vital for ensuring that the reform process is community-driven and culturally appropriate. Here's a breakdown of the key responsibilities:

  1. Provide Recommendations and Input:
  • Offer valuable guidance and insights to inform the CFS reform process.
  • Ensure that the community's voice and needs are considered in decision-making.
  1. Advise on Project Aspects:
  • Provide expert advice and support on various elements of the project, ensuring alignment with community values and objectives.
  1. Participate/Assist in Community Engagement:
  • Actively engage in activities aimed at involving the broader community in the reform process.
  • Assist with organizing and participating in community consultations, meetings, and outreach efforts.
  1. Represent Their Community:
  • Serve as a liaison between the committee and the community, ensuring that the perspectives, needs, and concerns of community members are accurately represented.
  1. Report Back to the Community:
  • Regularly update the community on progress, decisions, and outcomes related to the reform process.
  • Ensure transparency and foster trust by sharing relevant information and feedback.

Elders Advisory Committee Responsibilities:

  1. Provide Recommendations and Input:
  • Provide deep cultural, legal, and practical insights to ensure the CFS reform is culturally sensitive and legally sound.
  • Guide the development of policies and practices that honor community traditions and values.
  1. Advise on Project Aspects:
  • Ensure that the reform project respects the traditions and customs of the Nations involved.
  • Provide advice on sensitive issues related to child welfare, protection, and the integration of Indigenous values in the process.
  1. Participate/Assist in Community Engagement:
  • Support the engagement process by sharing their wisdom and facilitating discussions about the reform's impact on the community.
  • Ensure that the voices of Elders and knowledge holders are integral to community outreach efforts.
  1. Represent Their Community:
  • As experts in cultural and legal aspects, the Elders serve as critical liaisons, ensuring that the reform is in line with the specific needs of their Nations.
  1. Report Back to the Community:
  • Provide feedback to the community regarding the work of the committee and ensure that community members are kept informed about the reform's progress.

Elders Language Group Responsibilities:

  1. Provide Cultural and Linguistic Guidance and Interpretation:
  • Offer advice and support on how language can play a role in the CFS reform process, ensuring that language barriers are addressed and Indigenous languages are integrated into the reform process.
  1. Assist in Translating Cultural Concepts:
  • Assist in translating culturally specific concepts into the CFS framework, ensuring that the policies and services are accessible and respectful to all communities involved.

In summary, these groups are integral to the success of the CFS reform project. Their primary roles involve providing expert advice, guiding the engagement process, ensuring cultural relevance, and serving as conduits for communication between the community and the reform process. Each group's contributions ensure that the reform respects the values, customs, languages and needs of the communities involved while maintaining transparency and fostering trust.

Winnipeg Office

CFS Project Lead
Valerie Spence, BA, BSW, MSW
vspence@ktc.ca

CFS Team Lead
Rita Spence, BGS
rspence@ktc.ca

CFS Administrative Assistant
Payge Beardy
pbeardy@ktc.ca

Community Liason Workers

Fox Lake Cree Nation
P.O. Box 369, Gillam, MB R0B 0L0

Gods Lake Narrows First Nation
General Delivery, Gods Lake Narrows, MB R0B 0M0

Manto Sipi Cree Nation
P.O. Box 97, Gods River, MB R0B 0NO

Sayisi Dene First Nation
General Delivery, Tadoule Lake, MB R0B 2C0

War Lake First Nation
General Delivery, Ilford R0B 0S0

York Factory First Nation
General Delivery, York Landing, MB R0B 2B0

CFS Committee Members:

  • Councillor Sophie Lockhart, Fox Lake Cree Nation
  • Councillor Louie Amos Okemow, Manto Sipi Cree Nation
  • Phillip Kanabee (Councillor until 2024), Mantou Sakahigan Cree Nation
  • Maxwell Bee, Mantou Sakahigan Cree Nation
  • Councillor Kelly Ann Thom, Sayisi Dene First Nation
  • Councillor Elijah Garson, War Lake First Nation
  • Councillor Wayne Redhead, York Factory Cree Nation

Elder Advisor Members:

  • Don Robinson, Bunibonibee Elder
  • Marie Henderson, Fox Lake Cree Nation
  • Roger Ross, Manto Sipi Cree Nation
  • Anne Butterfield, Sayisi Dene First Nation
  • Caroline Spence, War Lake First Nation
  • Nellie Redhead, York Factory Cree Nation

Elder Language Group:

  • Jessie McPherson, Fox Lake Cree Nation
  • Jessie Ouskan, Fox Lake Cree Nation
  • Marcel Okemow, Manto Sipi Cree Nation
  • Oliver Okemow, Manto Sipi Cree Nation
  • Rita Andrews, Mantou Sakahigan Cree Nation
  • Bello Okemow, Mantou Sakahigan Cree Nation
  • Sarah Yassie, Sayisi Dene First Nation
  • Jimmy Thorassie, Sayisi Dene First Nation
  • Anne Butterfield, Sayisi Dene First Nation
  • Caroline Spence, War Lake First Nation
  • Adam Flett, War Lake First Nation
  • Nellie Redhead, York Factory Cree Nation
  • Flora Beardy, York Factory Cree Nation

Ainfo@ktc.ca     x431-222-3045

Keewatin Tribal Council CFS C.24 (Bill C-92)

Contact Us

301-1440 Jack Blick Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3G 0L4
x 431-222-3045    A info@ktc.ca

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