Executive Director

Laurie Rose

"It is essential to acknowledge the spiritual advisors, the aatsookaaniigan, the spiritual items, and mango-inini, as they are the spiritual essence of our agency Weechi-it-te-win Family Services."

Our vision and our mandate has led the way to many accomplishments over the years. The Vision of Weechi-it-te-win has served as a prototype for other organizations despite the fact that we are operating within a "broken system."

A fundamental element to addressing challenges within the current child welfare system is the "desire" and "passion" to create social change by becoming proactive and dedicated to implementing new practices that are more reflective of our customary ways.

We have an obligation and sacred responsibility to be truly helpful to children and their families. To that end we must no longer remain static. It is time for our entire circle to work cooperatively and diligently not only for our children today but for future generations. It is time for various sectors to work together because changing this system is going to take everyone.

My Senior team, Board of Directors and I, believe the time has come to review and implement our traditional child care law - Abinoojii Inakonigewin (Child Care Law). As we push toward implementation we have been advised by our communities that Weechi-it-te-win will continue to be a valuable resource throughout that process and afterward.

As we move forward, accountability will be paramount. We must all work together to ensure quality services and positive outcomes for children and families. In order for this to happen we must evaluate each other and ourselves in a manner that promotes ongoing improvement. We need to collectively work toward the reduction of children coming into care, and turn our focus toward prevention, preservation, reunification services that keep families together.

I would like to thank our Council of Elders and Board of Directors who have provided the support to attain the "vision" of "caring for our own within our communities'. I also acknowledge our founding grandfathers Moses Tom and Joseph Big George because without their courageous actions we would not be in this place now.

With great honor, I welcome you to our agency's newest resource - Weechi-it-te-win Family Services mobile friendly website.