Director of Nanaandawewenin / Healing, Clinical & Support Services

Director Shannon Blight, MSW,RSW
Telephone: 807-274-3201 ext. 2410
Email: shannon.blight@weechi.ca

Below is the Nanaandawewenin Team Operating Philosophy. The philosophy was developed at a team retreat in 2011 with the assistance of the Institute for Culturally Restorative Practices.

The Nanaandawewenin Team understand that the children and families are first and foremost in all that we do. Nanaandawewenin is bound by traditional Anishinaabe teachings. For this reason alone, we want to give to each other from the heart that is the place of truth.

Nanaandawewenin strives to instill the culture into its' foundation through acts of love and leadership. We will continue to preserve the family unit, as we recognize that there is strength within every family system. We recognize the importance of children and we pledge to continue to honor their wellbeing. The children our future, and we must collectively prepare them for their future.

Nanaandawewenin wants to acknowledge the sacred items we collectively care for; the drum "mango-inini", the pipes, the Thunderbird tree and sweat lodge. We recognize the importance of healing, and we are forever grateful for the opportunities to see the children and families progress through a healing process.

Nanaandawewenin practices humility, and never forgets where we have come from. We recognize the spirit within each other and everyone, always remembering "we are spiritual beings having a human experience". Nanaandawewenin comes from humble beginnings, recognizing that we have all been there at some point or another in our lives. We carry within us the importance of traditions, and our teachings that have carried us through many challenges.

We cherish the gifts of our ancestors and seek to bring these cultural teachings into our daily lives and practice. Nanaandawewenin remembers our founding grandfathers and the deep and collective pain of our people, before the development of Weechi-it-te-win Family Services. We remember the teachings of purpose and the unrelenting commitment to make a positive alternative for our children. We seek to make things well for our people, through our original vision of healthy families and communities. We know we are not here to fix people, but to walk with them through their journey as helpers.

Nanaandawewenin is always learning, growing, and seeking out the truth. We want to learn from mistakes and continue to grow together. We want to be steady in our vision, in our truth, and help achieve positive outcomes with children and families.

Finally, Nanaandawewenin seeks to be spiritual in our principles to create an environment which is supportive. We strive to honor and strengthen each other, and collectively become a blanket of protection that represents cultural strength and security. We will always gather and prepare for ceremonies as these are the fundamental gateways back to ourselves.