Building Stronger Futures: Island Lake First Nations Family Services Expands Youth, Family, and Community Supports

Maria McDougall, Executive Director of Island Lake First Nations Family Services (ILFNFS), said the agency's overall focus is centered on strengthening families, supporting prevention initiatives, and creating healthier futures for children and youth.

"Our goal is to keep children connected to their families, communities, and culture whenever possible," said McDougall. "We know our communities face many challenges, but we continue working toward building healthier and stronger futures for our families."

The agency currently operates offices in all four Island Lake communities, as well as Winnipeg, employing nearly 200 staff across community services, prevention programs, youth supports, family enhancement, and administrative operations.

One of the agency's major areas of focus has been supporting youth transition into adulthood through the Pre/Post Majority Services Unit.

Verla Umpherville, Pre/Post Majority Unit Supervisor at Island Lake First Nations Family Services (ILFNFS), said the unit helps young adults build life skills, strengthen confidence, and prepare for independent living.

"A lot of our youth need ongoing support, guidance, and healthy connections as they transition into adulthood," said Umpherville. "We want them to know they are not alone and that they still have people supporting them."

The agency also continues expanding housing initiatives for youth aging out of care and young families in Island Lake communities.

Recent projects include the development of tiny homes designed to support independent living and provide stable housing opportunities for youth and young parents.

Nadine Anderson, Pre/Post Majority Services Worker at Island Lake First Nations Family Services (ILFNFS), said culturally grounded programming and relationship-building remain important parts of supporting young people.

"A lot of our work is about helping young people reconnect with who they are, where they come from, and helping them build positive support systems," said Anderson.

In addition to youth and housing initiatives, the agency continues working closely with leadership, community programs, schools, health services, and families to respond to ongoing challenges affecting children and communities.

Staff members regularly support prevention efforts, family enhancement programming, crisis response, and culturally grounded community initiatives throughout the Island Lake region.

One recent example was the Old Post land-based gathering, where a large group of youth traveled back to their traditional territory to reconnect with culture, community, and identity.
Phoenix River Harper, one of the youth participants, described the experience as deeply meaningful.

"I got time to connect with more people, build relationships with everyone here, and do things I've never done before," said Harper. "It helped me feel more connected."

Ron Monias, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Northern Authority, said programs rooted in culture, land, and community play an important role in supporting healing and long-term success for youth and families.

"Land-based and culturally grounded programs create opportunities for youth to reconnect with identity, community, and belonging," said Monias. "These experiences can have a lasting impact on healing, confidence, and future growth."

Monias added that prevention-focused and community-driven services remain essential to strengthening families and supporting future generations.

"Our goal is not only to protect children, but to strengthen families, reconnect youth to culture and community, and create long-term pathways for healing and success."