Fort McMurray welcomes the establishment of a new Delegated First Nations child and family services agency, the Mikisew Awasis Kisiwatsowin Society. This agency will provide child protection services and prevention support to families residing on the Mikisew Cree First Nation reserve.
Delegated First Nations agencies operate independently as registered incorporated organizations, separate from Crown corporations or children’s services. They offer child welfare services within the boundaries of the First Nation they serve.
The creation of this agency signifies a historic change in how child and family services are managed within the community, as emphasized by speakers at the grand opening, including elders and community members. Previously, files concerning Mikisew Cree individuals involved in child intervention services were overseen by the province.
Charlene McGrath, the executive director of the society, highlighted the significance of the agency’s inception, noting that the Mikisew Cree First Nation and the agency will now take charge of these files.
The agency is housed in a former bank building in downtown Fort McMurray. McGrath mentioned that the vision for this center has been in progress for approximately seven years, with the legal establishment completed in January, and her appointment as executive director in March.
Explaining the name of the facility, McGrath indicated that it symbolizes Mikisew’s affection for children, considering them as gifts from the creator.
The grand opening, held on October 2 in Fort McMurray, gathered community members, Elders, and leaders, including Chief Billy Joe Tuccaro. Tuccaro expressed that the agency’s establishment grants them a voice in matters concerning children on reserve, aiming to preserve their nation, culture, and traditions.
Chief Tuccaro shared a personal connection to the cause, reflecting on his mother’s experience with foster care and emphasizing the need for change in the child welfare system.
Although the Mikisew Cree First Nation is based in Fort Chipewyan, Fort McMurray was selected as the agency’s location due to its central accessibility for many Mikisew members, facilitating outreach to those in cities like Edmonton.
McGrath outlined the agency’s role in responding to reports of potential harm, neglect, or abuse towards children from various sources and conducting assessments to determine the need for intervention.
With over two decades of experience in child welfare, McGrath emphasized her commitment to ensuring every child feels loved and supported within a family setting. Tuccaro viewed the agency’s opening as a moment of pride and healing for the Mikisew Cree First Nation, honoring past leaders and children impacted by the previous system.
The transition to local child welfare services marks a significant step towards self-governance and cultural preservation within the Mikisew Cree community.