Soaring Beyond Barriers: Northern First Nations Chart a Path Toward Stronger Child and Family Services

Over three days, participants shared agency achievements, examined the challenges facing Northern communities, and explored practical ways to strengthen First Nations governance, improve services, and build more meaningful partnerships.

The gathering was not simply about discussing what needs to change. It was about recognizing the progress already underway, listening to the experiences of those working directly with children and families, and identifying the collective responsibilities needed to move forward.

Leadership Rooted in First Nations Values

The gathering opened with a prayer by Elder William Lathlin and a traditional song from the Grandfather Stone drum group, grounding the discussions in culture, respect, and shared responsibility.

In her opening remarks, Northern Authority Board Chair Denise Packo emphasized the importance of protecting children's connections to their families, communities, cultures, and identities.

"Our children deserve to grow up surrounded by their families, their culture, languages, and identity. Protecting these connections must remain at the heart of everything we do."

Packo encouraged participants to move beyond identifying challenges and focus on collaboration, accountability, and meaningful action.

Northern Authority CEO Ron Monias reflected on the work of past First Nations leaders who advocated for greater community control over child and family services.

He acknowledged the progress Northern agencies have made toward developing their own laws, strengthening community-based services, and preparing for greater First Nations decision-making authority.

"We can't do this alone. One leader cannot do it alone. It takes a collective effort of all leaders to make this happen and to make this a reality."

Monias emphasized that the Northern Authority's role is to support agencies and communities as they determine their own paths forward, recognizing that each First Nation has different priorities, strengths, and levels of readiness.

Former Assembly of First Nations National Chief Ovide Mercredi also offered a historical perspective on First Nations child welfare, reminding participants that meaningful reform must address not only administrative responsibilities but also the laws, resources, and systems that shape decisions affecting children and families.

Recognizing Those Who Carry the Responsibility

MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee delivered a powerful message recognizing the dedication of child and family services workers and the important role they play in Northern communities.

"You are the people that will change the future of the next generation."

Grand Chief Settee acknowledged the challenges faced by frontline workers and agency leadership, recognizing their commitment to protecting children and supporting families.

His remarks also honoured the generations of First Nations leaders who worked toward restoring jurisdiction over child and family services, reinforcing that the journey toward self-determination continues.

Northern Agencies Share Progress, Innovation, and Challenges

A central feature of the gathering was the opportunity for Northern agencies to share their experiences and the work underway in their communities.

Josie McIver, Executive Director of Nikan, highlighted the importance of returning to First Nations values in social work, including kindness, humility, honesty, and cultural connection.

She shared examples of the agency's land-based programming, established in 2019, and its efforts to connect children and families with traditional knowledge and activities.

Harmony Dumas, Executive Director of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Family and Community Wellness Centre, reflected on her nearly two decades of experience in child welfare and the responsibilities of serving First Nations communities.

"Every step of the way, anything that I was told to do, I seen it as a call to duty."

Rhonda Apetagon, Executive Director of KSMA, discussed Norway House Cree Nation's progress toward developing its own child and family services law, including the introduction of a draft in February 2025.

She also emphasized the importance of bringing agencies together to recognize their collective work.

"It gives us a chance to come together and to acknowledge the work that each of our agencies is doing to help our communities and our people move forward."

Maria McDougall, Executive Director of Island Lake First Nations Family Services, brought attention to the realities of delivering services in remote Northern communities, including high travel costs, limited local resources, and the challenges of ensuring families can access necessary supports.

She highlighted the growth of her agency, which serves four First Nations communities and employs more than 200 staff members.

Together, the presentations demonstrated both the progress being made across Northern agencies and the need for approaches that reflect the unique circumstances of individual First Nations communities.

Three Days, Three Conversations About Change

While agency presentations provided opportunities to celebrate progress and share knowledge, three breakout sessions gave participants an important opportunity to identify challenges and discuss solutions.

Each session focused on a different priority, with participants working in smaller groups before sharing their perspectives with the larger gathering.

Governance Readiness: Preparing for First Nations Jurisdiction

On the first day, participants explored the readiness of Chiefs and Councils, agency boards, and communities for the transition toward First Nations Governing Bodies.

Discussions examined the governance structures, policies, training, and resources needed to support communities pursuing greater responsibility over child and family services.

Participants identified communication, sustainable funding, legal expertise, community engagement, and the involvement of Elders and youth as important considerations.

The discussions highlighted that readiness differs between communities and that successful transitions must respect each First Nation's circumstances and priorities.

Agency Supports: Identifying What Is Needed

The second day's breakout session focused on the Northern Authority's role in supporting its agencies.

Participants examined the challenges where Northern Authority assistance is most needed, which existing services should continue, what additional supports could be developed, and how services could be delivered more effectively.

The conversations emphasized the importance of responsive support, practical resources, strong communication, and reducing unnecessary administrative barriers.

These discussions provided an opportunity for agencies to share their priorities directly and contribute perspectives that can inform the Northern Authority's future planning.

Meaningful Partnerships: Removing Barriers Together

The final breakout session explored what meaningful partnership between the Northern Authority and its agencies should look like.

Participants discussed how the Authority could help remove barriers rather than create additional processes, strengthen collaboration, and identify priorities where additional resources could make the greatest difference.

The session reinforced the importance of trust, transparency, shared responsibility, and continued dialogue as First Nations agencies and communities work toward greater jurisdiction.

Across all three sessions, a consistent message emerged: meaningful change requires listening to communities, recognizing different levels of readiness, and ensuring that decisions are informed by those directly involved in supporting children and families.

Elders' Messages: From Identifying Barriers to Taking Action

As the gathering concluded on October 29, Dr. Sydney Garrioch and Elder William Lathlin offered take-home messages that reflected the central purpose of the three-day event.

Dr. Sydney Garrioch encouraged participants to recognize the barriers affecting children and families and listen carefully to those experiencing them.

"Before we can remove barriers, we must be willing to recognize them, listen to those affected, and work together to find a better way."

Elder William Lathlin challenged participants to carry the gathering's discussions back to their communities and turn shared knowledge into meaningful action.

"We may not be able to remove every barrier today, but we can each take responsibility for removing one barrier tomorrow."

Their messages reminded participants that progress begins not only with major policy changes but also with stronger relationships, improved communication, and everyday decisions that put children and families first.