Chief Kinosew Awasak Mikwahp
Child and Family Services
Our Vision
Empowering families and supporting our youth signifies our dedication to nurturing a strong, culturally rich community. At the heart of Driftpile Cree Nation, we believe in fostering resilience, promoting cultural identity, and building a supportive network for every member of our community. Join us in our journey to uplift and strengthen our families and youth, paving the way for a vibrant, thriving future.
Leadership Team
Pamela Cunningham, Executive Director
Jaylee Isadore, Executive Assistant
Theresa Campiou, Finance Director
Gerald Laboucan Jr, Operations Manager
Kimberly Isadore, Receptionist
Family Enhancement Team
Melanie Heroux, Family Enhancement Manager
Shawna Bellerose, Family Enhancement Worker
Adradienne Sawan, Family Enhancement Worker
Tina Isadore, Cultural Coordinator
Post Majority Support Services (PMSS) Team
Naomi Auger, PMSS Director
Shaylean Howse, PMSS Outreach Worker
Cody D. Willier, PMSS Practice Specialist
Additional Support
Band Designate
Alva Bellerose, our Band Designate, is a cornerstone of the Driftpile Cree Nation’s commitment to ensuring that our children and families receive culturally appropriate services, especially when interacting with the child welfare system. This position is vital for maintaining the integrity and cohesion of our community by ensuring our children remain connected to their cultural roots, family, and community, even in challenging circumstances.
Band Designate
Advocacy: The Band Designate is a staunch advocate for the rights and well-being of our community’s children and families. This involves representing their interests in various forums, including legal settings, to ensure that decisions made are in the best interests of the child while also respecting their cultural heritage and community ties.
Court Proceedings: A critical aspect of the Band Designate’s role is to attend court proceedings involving children from our community. In these settings, the Band Designate provides essential insights into the cultural, familial, and community contexts that should inform decisions affecting the child’s life. Their presence ensures that the child welfare system remains mindful of the importance of our cultural values.
Education and Awareness: The Band Designate plays a pivotal role in educating those involved in the child welfare system about the unique services, supports, and resources available within our community. By raising awareness of these culturally appropriate alternatives, the Band Designate helps to guide decision-making processes in a direction that favors family preservation and cultural continuity.
Collaboration with Social Workers: Working closely with agency social workers, the Band Designate facilitates the provision of traditional parenting supports and other culturally relevant services to families. This collaboration is aimed at addressing identified risks and promoting the well-being of children within the context of their culture and community.
Identifying Cultural Resources: A key part of ensuring that services are culturally appropriate involves identifying and involving community Elders or other service providers who can offer traditional parenting supports, healing opportunities, and cultural knowledge. The Band Designate is instrumental in making these connections, ensuring that children and families have access to a broad spectrum of supports that reflect and honor our cultural heritage.
At the Chief Kinosew Awasak Mikwahp Child and Family Service Program, we are deeply committed to the empowerment, cultural preservation, and well-being of our families and youth. We encourage community members to engage with our programs, lending their support and collaboration towards building a stronger, more resilient Driftpile Cree Nation.
Connect With Us for Support and Empowerment
At the Chief Kinosew Awasak Mikwahp Child and Family Service Program, we’re here to offer guidance, support, and resources tailored to the needs of our community members. Whether you’re seeking assistance, interested in our programs, or looking to contribute, our doors are always open. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can support your family’s journey towards empowerment and well-being, or to engage with our culturally enriched programs designed to strengthen the fabric of the Driftpile Cree Nation. Together, we can foster a future where every family thrives.
825-233-0027
Chief Kinosew Awasak Mikwahp Child and Family Services
Welcome to the Chief Kinosew Awasak Mikwahp Child and Family Service Program of Driftpile Cree Nation. Our initiative is dedicated to nurturing strong, resilient families within our community through a comprehensive range of supportive services and programs.
Family Enhancement Program
Our Commitment
At the heart of the Driftpile Cree Nation, we are deeply committed to fostering a supportive, nurturing environment for our families. Our dedication is unwavering in providing comprehensive family programming that caters to the unique needs of our community. We understand the importance of short-term services that are not only accessible but also impactful, aimed at assisting families in their journey towards growth and empowerment. Our goal is to empower each family, recognizing and building upon their inherent strengths to ensure a thriving, vibrant community. A significant part of our mission is to prevent children from coming into care, ensuring that families remain united, supported, and strong. Through our dedication to these principles, we strive to create a community where every family has the opportunity to flourish.
Services Offered
Workshops and Activities: We offer a variety of workshops and activities designed to strengthen family bonds, improve parenting skills, and enhance personal development. Each session is tailored to meet the cultural and educational needs of our community, promoting growth and understanding within families.
Referrals to Support Services and Resources: Our team provides personalized referrals to a wide range of support services and resources within and outside the community. These referrals aim to address specific family needs, ensuring access to the best possible support for health, education, and welfare.
Traditional Family Parenting: This service focuses on reviving and teaching traditional parenting practices that have been passed down through generations. It emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage in child-rearing, offering families insights into traditional values, customs, and parenting techniques.
Advocacy: We advocate on behalf of families to ensure they receive the necessary support and services to thrive. Our advocacy efforts extend to navigating government and community resources, ensuring families’ voices are heard and their rights are protected.
Culturally Appropriate Programs: Our programs are deeply rooted in our cultural heritage, designed to support families in maintaining their cultural identity. These programs include language revitalization, cultural workshops, and ceremonies that strengthen the cultural bonds within families and the community.
Mentorship: We connect families and individuals with mentors who provide guidance, support, and encouragement. Our mentorship program is aimed at fostering positive relationships, personal growth, and community engagement.
Community Involvement: Encouraging active participation in community events and initiatives is a key focus of our service. We believe that community involvement strengthens social networks, supports cultural preservation, and enhances the overall well-being of our families.
Building Healthy Relationships: Through workshops and counseling, we offer strategies and tools to build and maintain healthy relationships within families and the community. This service focuses on communication skills, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence to foster harmony and understanding.
Individualized Family Service Planning: Each family receives a customized service plan that addresses their unique needs and goals. This planning process involves collaboration between families and our team, ensuring that the services provided are effective and meaningful.
Eligibility Criteria
- Residence within Driftpile Cree Nation.
- Child registered as a member of Driftpile Cree Nation.
- Willingness to engage in a strength-based family planning process.
- Participation is voluntary, requiring consent and cooperation.
Community children and families, community members and elders can participate in programming. Family empowerment: the acts of engaging, involving, and lifting up the voice of families throughout all areas in Child and Family Services. This is the process of encouraging families to take an active role in participating with the agency. Strong families have warmth and care, good communication, predictability, and strong connections to others outside the family. Looking after yourself is good for your family and good for you!
All Family Enhancement programs and services are confidential.
Chief Kinosew Awasak Mikwahp Post Majority Support Services (PMSS)
Our Commitment
The transition to adulthood is a critical phase in the lives of our young people, and at Driftpile Cree Nation, our commitment to supporting this journey is steadfast. Our Post Majority Support Services (PMSS) are designed with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with this stage of life. We pledge to work alongside our youth and young adults, respecting their individuality and entering their spaces with sensitivity and purpose. Our approach is to build plans that are as unique as the individuals we serve, grounded in their personal needs and aspirations.
Building a relationship based on trust and transparency is at the core of our services. We are committed to fostering an environment where our young people feel safe, heard, and valued. Recognizing the importance of cultural identity, we strive to ensure that all our services are culturally appropriate, supporting our youth in staying connected to their heritage and community.
We are dedicated to providing a comprehensive suite of services that cater to various needs, from financial planning and housing support to education and self-care. Our aim is to equip our young people with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive as adults, ensuring they have equal opportunities to succeed and contribute to their community.
Through these commitments, the Driftpile Cree Nation affirms its dedication to the well-being, empowerment, and success of all its members, from the youngest children to the adults transitioning into independence. We stand by our promise to nurture a community where everyone is supported, connected, and culturally grounded.
Services Offered
Rent or Room and Board: We provide financial assistance and guidance to help young adults secure safe and stable housing, recognizing the importance of a secure living environment in the transition to independence.
Financial Planning: Our services include financial education and planning to help young adults manage their finances responsibly. We cover budgeting, saving, and financial decision-making to ensure they are prepared for financial independence.
Basic Household Necessities: We assist in acquiring basic household necessities, ensuring that young adults have access to the essential items needed to establish their first home.
Needs-based Financial Support: Tailored financial support is provided based on individual needs, ensuring young adults have the resources required to meet their personal and educational goals.
Housing Support: We offer guidance and support in navigating housing options, understanding leases, and securing stable accommodation that meets their needs.
Education Related Costs: Financial assistance is available for tuition, books, and other education-related expenses, supporting young adults in pursuing further education and training.
Financial Support for Training/Certification: We provide support for vocational training and certification costs, helping young adults gain the skills and qualifications needed for employment.
Technology Needed for Learning: Recognizing the importance of technology in education, we provide support for purchasing computers and other technological tools essential for learning.
Recreation and Sport: We encourage participation in recreational and sports activities, offering opportunities for physical health, teamwork, and community engagement.
Counselling: Access to professional counseling services is provided, supporting the mental and emotional well-being of young adults as they navigate the challenges of transitioning to adulthood.
Access to Treatment: We facilitate access to treatment programs for those requiring support with substance use, mental health, or other health concerns, ensuring a holistic approach to well-being.
Self-care & Wellbeing Training and Support: Workshops and programs focused on self-care, mental health, and overall well-being are offered, equipping young adults with the tools they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Cultural Programs and Ceremony: We provide opportunities to participate in cultural programs and ceremonies, fostering a strong connection to cultural identity and community heritage.
Life Skills: Workshops on life skills such as financial literacy, budgeting, self-care, cooking, and healthy eating are provided, preparing young adults for independent living.
Eligibility
- A registered DCN member;
- Was formerly in care;
- Ordinarily resides on reserve;
- A young adult who was in care and reached the age of majority but has not yet turned 26 years of age
- From their 15th birthday until their 26th birthday
Post Majority Support Services is a Voluntary Program
Through these enhanced services, the Driftpile Cree Nation is committed to supporting the well-being, cultural connection, and empowerment of our families and young adults, ensuring a strong foundation for future generations.
