Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services

Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services
Type	Government agency
Founded	2019

Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services is a child and family services agency.

In Anishinabek News

• January 2020: The agency launched a new website in December 2019 to provide resources on its history, cultural services, and career opportunities. Incorporated in November 2018, the organization began operating as a pre-designated child well-being agency in 2016. The organization aims to reclaim jurisdiction over child welfare services for the First Nations it serves.
• January 2020: The organization received approval in January 2020 to enter the third stage of becoming a designated child welfare agency in Ontario. Incorporated as a non-profit in 2018, it provides culturally-based protection and prevention services to six First Nations including Dokis First Nation and Wasauksing First Nation. The agency aims to reclaim jurisdiction over child welfare matters for its member communities through a five-stage ministerial process. As of January 2020, staff are working with the local Children’s Aid Society and Ministry on training and secondment processes.
• September 2020: The organization met with Jill Dunlop on September 10, 2020, to provide a status update on its progress toward full designation. As of September 2020, it provides services to Dokis First Nation, Magnetawan First Nation, Henvey Inlet First Nation, Shawanaga First Nation, Wasauksing First Nation, and Wahnapitae First Nation. The agency is in the third stage of a five-stage Ministerial process to assume full responsibility for Indigenous child welfare in the Parry Sound and Nipissing District. The organization aims for a designation date of April 2021.
• April 2021: The agency received official designation as a children's aid society on April 1, 2021. It provides protection and prevention services to six First Nations and other Indigenous people within the Nipissing and Parry Sound jurisdiction. The organization spent four and a half years meeting the requirements of the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to achieve this status. The agency's head office is located in Dokis First Nation.
• September 2021: The agency received official provincial designation to provide child protection services on April 1, 2021. It serves the First Nations of Dokis, Henvey Inlet, Magnetawan, Shawanaga, Wahnapitae, and Wasauksing. The organisation operates throughout the districts of Nipissing and Parry Sound and the city of Greater Sudbury.
• September 2022: The agency received provincial designation on April 1, 2021, to provide child welfare services. In September 2022, the organization announced the development of the Orange Standard Service Delivery Model to redesign child well-being services. The agency serves communities including Wasauksing First Nation, Wahnapitae First Nation, Magnetawan First Nation, Dokis First Nation, Henvey Inlet First Nation, and Shawanaga First Nation.
• November 2022: The agency launched the Orange Standard Service Delivery Model on October 18, 2022, to provide services from a culturally congruent perspective. It was established following a 2016 mandate from the Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations to serve six member communities. The organization offers services including customary care, kinship, and prevention while incorporating cultural ceremonies and teachings.
• June 2023: The agency collaborates with the Greater Sudbury Police Service on the Mooz Akinonmaaget Maa Aki initiative.
• July 2023: The agency is hosting an Elders Gathering in July 2023 at Henvey Inlet First Nation. It has provided culture-based services rooted in Anishinabek values since 2019. The organization belongs to the Association of Native Child and Family Services Agencies of Ontario.
• June 2024: As of June 2024, the agency has moved into a new custom-built establishment on Nipissing First Nation that houses 130 staff members. It provides services to Dokis First Nation, Henvey Inlet First Nation, Magnetawan First Nation, Shawanaga First Nation, Wahnapitae First Nation, and Wasauksing First Nation. The organization reports having the lowest number of children in care in Ontario by prioritizing customary care and kinship placements. Its code of ethics is rooted in Anishinabek culture and the Seven Grandfather Teachings.
• September 2025: The agency is located within the same business complex as Pickle's Pumps.
• October 2026: The organization partnered with Dokis First Nation to coordinate a Mini Pow Wow for students and community members.