We also acknowledge that York Region operates on a territory that is the subject to the Wampum Belt Covenant and the Dish with One Spoon Treaty, an agreement to peaceably share, and care for the resources around the great lakes. We also seek to honour the Chippewas of Georgina Island, the closest Indigenous community.
York Region Children’s Aid Society is committed to the Truth and Reconciliation process and journey to support and promote Indigenous wellbeing.
Founded in 1998, Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services is a multi-service Indigenous wellbeing agency that provides a stable foundation for children, youth, and families through wraparound services that are culturally-based and family-focused. Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services delivers services to eight First Nation communities, seeking to support families in the way they deserve, with care and authenticity, and by recognizing and respecting spirit.
The trailblazing work of Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services is clearing a path for inspiring, ground-breaking work that helps, heals, and changes lives.
If you or your child identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis, or having Indigenous heritage, please feel welcome to connect with Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services, who are an Indigenous child and family wellbeing agency providing culturally and spiritually appropriate services to Indigenous communities.
On June 6, 2017, the Ontario child welfare sector unanimously agreed to prioritize Reconciliation with Indigenous communities through nine key commitments. Each Children’s Aid Society (CAS) has committed to:
Reduce the number of Indigenous children in care.
Reduce the number of legal files involving Indigenous children and families.
Increase the use of formal customary care* agreements.
Ensure Indigenous representation and involvement at the local Board of Directors.
Implement mandatory Indigenous training for staff.
Change their inter-agency protocol to include Jordan’s Principle** as a fundamental principle.
In consultation with the Indigenous communities, develop a unique agency-based plan to better address the needs of the children and families from those communities.
Continue to develop relationships between their agency and the local Indigenous communities.
Assist those individuals wanting to see their historical files by accessing and providing the information they request.
*Customary care leaves the responsibility for the care of the child with the Indigenous community.
**Jordan’s Principle is a child-first principle aimed at ensuring that services to First Nations children are not denied, delayed, or disrupted due to jurisdictional disputes. The principle is named for Jordan River Anderson, a young boy from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba. Learn more here.
To read more about Truth and Reconciliation and the child welfare sector, please see the following resources.
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