Who We Are

Mission Statement

Provide reconciliation-based public education, policy guidance, research, advocacy, and support to promote the safety and wellbeing of First Nations children, young people, families, communities and Nations. 
 

Vision Statement

Supporting First Nations children, young people, families, communities, and Nation so that First Nations children can grow up safely with their families, get a good education, be healthy, and feel proud of who they are.
 

Core Values

  • Love, courage, respect, honesty, transparency, and integrity in our work and relationships.
  • Recognizing the sacredness of children and the rights of Indigenous children, youth, and families pursuant to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
  • Embracing evidence-informed approaches and measuring progress against outcomes.
  • Intergenerational substantive equality and respect for distinct First Nations cultures, languages, contexts, and aspirations.
  • Honouring caring peoples and organizations who work respectfully with First Nations children, young people, families, communities, and Nations.
  • Ensuring all people, including children, can meaningfully participate in reconciliation. 
  • Being independent and non-partisan.
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Group picture of the Spirit Bear's friends

Future Directions and Strategic Planning

1. Truth Telling

Ensure the safety and wellbeing of First Nations children, young people, and families by facilitating the transfer of traditional and historical knowledges and community-based solutions to guide and support families and others caring for First Nations children and young people. Work with Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to meaningfully engage in reconciliation. 

2. Acknowledging

Value the guidance, support, and collaboration from First Nations children, young people, families, communities, and Nations and the many caring children, young people, adults, professionals, and organizations that work with us.

3. Restoring

Address the evidenced-based causes of disadvantage for First Nations children, young people, families, communities, and Nations by building on cultural strengths and supporting effective interventions.

4. Relating

Promote relationships between First Nations and non-Indigenous peoples aligning with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as reflected in General Comment 12.

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Board of Directors

 

Raymond Shingoose, President

Yorkton Tribal Council Child and Family Services Inc., Saskatchewan

 

Kenn Richard, Vice-President

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, Ontario

 

Judy Levi, Treasurer of the Board

New Brunswick Representative

 

Elsie Flette, Board Member

Manitoba Representative

 

Arlene Johnson, Board Member

Mi’kmaw Family and Children’s Services, Nova Scotia

 

Koren Lightning-Earle, Board Member

Kasohkowew Child Wellness Society, Alberta

 

Jessica Saunders, Board Member

Manitoba Representative
 

Mary Teegee, Board Member

Carrier Sekani Family Services, British Columbia

 

André Bear
Indigenous Nation Rebuilding, Ontario

Meet our Team

Staff Members

Brittany Mathews, BA
Director of Reconciliation & Policy
Cindy Blackstock
Cindy Blackstock, PhD (Social Work)
Executive Director
Daxton Rhead
Administrative Support
Harmony Eshkawkogan
Administrative Assistant
Jennifer King, MSW
Director of Programs & Operations
Jess Raby, MA
Education & Public Engagement Coordinator
Melisa Brittain, PhD
Policy & Research Coordinator
Stephanie Wellman, MA
Reconciliation & Policy Coordinator
Sunny Mathews, BarkA
Reconciliation Dog
Tammy Morgan, BBA
Finance Officer & Human Resources Coordinator