Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services to meet with Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues

NORTH BAY – Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services will meet with the Honourable Jill Dunlop, Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues, on Thursday, September 10, 2020, in North Bay, Ontario.

The meeting will serve as a status update in regards to Niijaansinaanik’s progress towards designation as an Indigenous Child Welfare Agency. Niijaansinaanik is currently in Stage 3 – Transition Stage as part of the 5-Stage Ministerial Process, and are providing services and increasing organizational capacity to meet Ministerial requirements before seeking the assumption of full responsibility of Indigenous child welfare matters in the jurisdictional areas. Niijaansinaanik currently provides services to six (6) First Nations including: Dokis, Magnetawan, Henvey Inlet, Shawanaga, Wasauksing, and Wahnapitae, and services all Indigenous peoples in the Parry Sound and Nipissing District.

“We are excited to meet with Associate Minister Dunlop to share our progress and discuss our designation date of April 2021,” said Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services Executive Director, Joanne Koehler. “Our organization is determinedly working towards establishing infrastructure to support the safety, health, and well-being of Indigenous children, youth and families, in and from, our First Nations.”

Niijaansinaanik is a cultural-based organization responsive to the holistic needs of all children, youth, and families. The services provided reflect values, beliefs, and principles rooted within Anishinabek culture. Niijaansinaanik will be providing culturally centered protection, prevention, advocacy, and care for all Indigenous children, youth, and families.

Date: Thursday, September 10, 2020
Remarks: 1p.m.
Media are asked to arrive by 12:45p.m.
Location: Ferguson Room – The Grand Event Centre, 300 Wyld Street, North Bay, ON
Note: All attendees will be asked to physically distance and follow provincial health and safety protocols

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Contact:
Joanne Koehler, Executive Director
Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services
(705) 763-2200
Joanne.koehler@niijcfs.com
Shayla Brunet, Communications Coordinator
Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services
(705) 474-9707 ext. 509
Shayla.brunet@niijcfs.com