Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services to host an Elders Gathering

July 8, 2023

NIIJAANSINAANIK CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES HEAD OFFICE (June 30, 2023) – Niijaansinaanik will host an Elders Gathering at Henvey Inlet First Nation Traditional Grounds on July 25 – 27, 2023. All ages, Elders, helpers, child/youth well-being workers, community members, allies, and vendors are invited to register online. The theme is “Gdashminaanaan gnijaansinaanig jijaagwaanan – Feeding our Children’s Spirits”.

Keynote Speakers:

  • Dr. Cindy Blackstock – BA, MM, MJ, Ph.D., Executive Director for the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada. member of Gitxsan First Nation
  • Isadore Day – Founder/CEO, Bimaadzwin, member of Serpent River First Nation
  • Clarence White Sr. – Cultural Coordinator, Abinooji Anishinaabe Family Services, member of Naotkamegwanning First Nation.
  • Dr. Kathy Absolon – Director, Centre for Indigegogy Professor, Indigenous Field of Study Faculty of Social Work (Kitchener Campus) Wilfrid Laurier University, member of Flying Post First Nation
  • Hector Copegog, Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin, Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle, member of Chimnissing/Beausoleil First Nation
  • Theresa Stevens – Executive Director Kitapinoonjiiminaanik Family Services, member of Red Rock First Nation
  • Estelle Simard – MSW, ABD Educational Leadership Technical Lead, member of Couchiching First Nation
  • Guest Drum: Good Spirit Drum Group – Moose Deer Point

“Our Indigenous Elders have a unique and wise perspective on the way forward for the seven generations,” says Niijaansinaanik Executive Director Joanne Koehler. “It is crucial to amplify our Elders’ voices when discussing Indigenous child, youth, and family well-being in our communities.”

Niijaansinaanik has been providing Indigenous child, youth, and family services since 2019, and is a culture-based organization responsive to the holistic needs of all children, youth, and families. Niijaansinaanik provides services that reflect values, beliefs, and principles rooted within the Anishinabek culture. While working in the present, we acknowledge history and its impacts on our people in relation to outside influences and strive to build a strong, healthy future for all children, youth, families, and communities.

“We are looking forward to welcoming all to our beautiful community,” says Henvey Inlet First Nation Gimaa (Chief) Wayne McQuabbie. “Our Elders have such a wealth of knowledge from life experiences and history, and it is essential to hear their voices.”

Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services are members of the Association of Native Child and Family Services Agencies of Ontario (ANCFSAO) and the Association of Children’s Aid Societies of Ontario (OACAS).

*Food Vendors are not accepted at this time. Registration required. Draft Agenda to be posted.

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Contact:

Shayla Brunet
Communications Coordinator
Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services
1-855-223-5558 ext. 4001
shayla.brunet@niijcfs.com