Wahkohtowin loosely translates to kinship, but it’s much more than family relationships. Our kinship programs are intended to promote the interconnectedness of families… whole families. We recognize the damage caused by the forcible removal of our children, the long-lasting impact on how we learned to parent, communicate, cope and we acknowledge the hurt we’ve caused each other, because we were hurt. We will support families in thriving together, not just surviving together. Whether you’ve been dealing with MCFD involvement, violence in the home, teens that won’t listen or you just want to improve your family interconnectedness, we will be there for you. We will meet you wherever you are comfortable, providing parent mentorship through our “Auntie’s and Uncles” program or peer mentorship for your kids through our “Cuzzin’s” program, or making decisions together as a family through elder mediated talking circles. We will not shame you, judge you, or focus on what you’re doing wrong. Instead, we will share knowledge, strategies, and guidance, supporting you in identifying and prioritizing your family needs.
Ohkomisimâw ᐅᐦᑯᒥᓯᒫᐤ /osikosimâwak ᐅᓯᑯᓯᒫᐤ – Aunties & Uncles Program
- In-Home support such as parenting strategies, nutrition, financial literacy, parent-child conflict management, household management, referrals, elder consultation, land-based learning, respite care, resources and knowledge sharing about child & youth development, support in navigating school systems, MCFD Involvement, mental & physical health management etc.
Wahkomâkanak ᐊᐧᐦᑯᒫᑲᐣ – Cuzzins Program
- In Home/ Community Peer-based support such as recreational activities, land-based learning, elder consultation, skills development in the areas of social-emotional well being, life skills, school & learning, navigating peer relationships, healthy coping strategies, healthy communication, Parent-child conflict management, sibling dynamics, homework support, referrals, resources and knowledge sharing, advocacy, harm reduction, mental and physical health management etc.
Itasiwewin ᐃᑕᓯᐁᐧᐃᐧᐣ – Making Decisions Together Program
- Parent-Child/ Teen conflict, Family Decision Making, Sharing Circles, School Meetings, MCFD Meetings, Judicial & Restorative Justice Meetings, Sibling conflict, Language & Culture learning, Addictions Management, Family Violence Management
Nîsohkamâkewina ᓃᓱᐦᑲᒫᑫᐃᐧᐣ – Helping Families Program
- Advocacy support with MCFD Involvement, Justice Involvement, School conflict, Healthy Management of Family dynamics, referrals, resources, Elder consultation, Mental, Physical and Sexual health education.