Services during the Inawendiwin Chigaanawendamaang journey
As Animakee Wa Zhing continues the work of reclaiming jurisdiction and developing its child and family law, support for families is already underway.
These services reflect Immediate Measures — actions being taken now to strengthen families, respond to urgent needs, and build the foundation for the future child and family wellbeing system. They are guided by community values, cultural teachings, and a commitment to keeping families together, united, and safe.
Our Service pages will continue to be updated as services grow and evolve alongside the law.
What this means for families:
Support is available now. Families do not need to wait for the law to be finalized to access help, advocacy, and culturally-grounded supports.
Immediate Measures: What’s happening now
While the law takes shape, Animakee Wa Zhing is strengthening supports that make a difference today. Funding made available through Canadian Human Rights Tribunal decisions and Bill C-92 has allowed the community to build programs and services that support children, youth, and families in immediate need.
This work focuses on service alignment, clear roles and responsibilities, and practice approaches rooted in Anishinaabe values and traditions.
What this means for families:
Services are being coordinated to reduce confusion, improve communication, and ensure families feel supported rather than overwhelmed.
Family Advocacy (Child Advocacy / First Nations Representative Services)
Family Advocacy services support families and the Nation in child welfare matters. This role acts as a key point of contact between Animakee Wa Zhing and child welfare agencies, ensuring the rights of children and family members are upheld.
Services include supporting families through child welfare processes, participating in decision-making, advocating for family preservation and reunification, and helping families access resources and supports.
What this means for families:
Families are not alone in child welfare processes. Advocacy support is available to help families understand their rights, navigate systems, and stay connected.
Youth Transitioning Out of Care
Using Post-Majority Support Services funding, supports are provided to youth transitioning out of care as they move into adulthood.
Supports may include health and wellness services, education and training pathways, housing supports, life-skills development, and mental wellness supports.
What this means for families:
Youth can access support during a major life transition, helping them build stability, confidence, and independence.
Cultural Coordinator
The Cultural Coordinator supports families and children by strengthening connections to ceremony, language, and land-based learning.
This role includes organizing community feasts, supporting cultural activities, and working with youth, including after-school programming.
What this means for families:
Culture, language, and ceremony are part of everyday support for families, not add-ons.
Cultural Guardian for Children in Care
The Cultural Guardian works with child welfare agencies to support children’s plans of care and ensure Anishinaabe culture, values, and ways of being are respected, protected, and promoted.
What this means for families:
Children in care are supported to remain connected to their identity, community, and culture.
Healing Lodge
Located at the former Shangrilah Camp, the Healing Lodge provides a land-based space for ceremony, healing, and community gatherings.
This space supports land-based healing and reconnection as part of family and community wellbeing.
What this means for families:
Families have access to safe, culturally grounded spaces for healing and connection.
Life-skills Training
Life-skills training programs support individuals and families by focusing on understanding trauma, developing healthy coping tools, and building practical life skills.
Programs may be offered in-session formats over several weeks.
What this means for families:
Families gain practical tools to support healing, daily life, and long-term wellbeing.
Mental Health Counselling
Mental health counselling supports are available for families experiencing higher levels of need.
These services provide individual support and strengthen family wellbeing during challenging times.
What this means for families:
Confidential mental health support is available when families need it most.