History and development of WFS

Historical Timeline

In the Mid 1970's: there was political pressure all across Ontario, Canada, and the United States due to the high number of children being removed from their families. During the 1970's, almost 50% of children from Big Grassy First Nation were apprehended and placed outside the community.

1981

Resolution Chiefs of Ontario: "Be it further resolved that we, the Indian Nations of Ontario shall create our own Indian child welfare laws, policies and programs based on the protection of our children and the preservation of their Indian culture within the Indian family.

March 1982

Rainy Lake Tribal Chiefs: "Be it resolved that the RLTC Inc. intends to take necessary measures to ensure that our children and families are protected and that we are hereby serving notice by this resolution that we are commencing the process to create Indian Child Welfare legislation alternatives."

As a result of the Chief's Resolution, Weechi-it-te-win received its mandate and was later incorporated in 1983.

January 1983

The establishment of Native Child Welfare Planning Committee:

• Rosemarie Tuesday
• Dennis McPherson
• Elaine Big George (Jourdain)
• Steve Johnson
• Leslie Perrault
• Rupert Hunter
• David Spencer
• Kathy Kelly (Kishequeb)

The Native Child Welfare Planning Committee developed the "Guiding Principles" of Weechi-it-te-win Family Services.

1. To stop Children's Aid Societies from removing our children and placing them outside our communities
2. To stop Children's Aid Societies from placing our children in non-native homes across Canada and the U.S.
3. To preserve Anishinaabe Culture and Identity among the people
4. To Strengthen and maintain Anishinaabe families and communities
5. To assure the growth, support and development of children within Anishinaabe families and communities

1984

The review of the Ontario Child and Family Services Act resulted in Part X - Customary Care, a specific section for Native children.

1986

In 1986, George Simard, was recruited as Executive Director to move Weechi-it-te-win toward the vision as set out by the founders and planning committee. In 1986, Weechi-it-te-win started the necessary work to become a designated child welfare agency. The Chiefs provided clear direction that they did not want Weechi-it-te-win to continue the practice of the local CAS.

1987

Agency Designation. Weechi-it-te-win followed Tikinaagin Child and Family Services and was the 2nd Indigenous agency in Ontario. Designation was always viewed as a temporary measure to "our Anishinaabe Alternative."

1987 - 1998

Development of Customary Care Models, Bi-Cultural Practice Models, and Anishinaabe Rights of the Child.

1999

Chiefs provide resolution to move forward with Devolution of Services

2000-2003

Preparation, planning, and devolution of child welfare services which was attained through consolidated services agreements with each of the 10 First Nations.

2003

Each of the 10 First Nations have an active Community Care Program made up of child in care worker, supervisor, family services worker and family counsellor

2006-08

Naaniigaan Abinoojii - Our Central Purpose is implemented. This was a response to Bill 210 that initiated changes to the child welfare system in which the focus was on permanency for the child. Weechi-it-te-win responded by harmonizing these regulations from an "Anishinaabe permanency" perspective. Naaniigaan Abinoojii was a response to further legislation in Ontario that pushed for permanency for children in the system and stronger guidelines for foster care.

May 2012

Weechi-it-te-win hires its first female Executive Director, Laurie Rose (Azhwaashkobinesiik)

November 2013

Transfer of Jurisdiction Agreement between Weechi-it-te-win and Kenora Rainy River Child and Family Services. This allowed for members living outside of the 10 First Nations but within the Kenora/Rainy River District to receive services through Weechi-it-te-win and their Community Care Programs. Previous to this agreement, all members living outside of the First Nation were required to receive services through the Rainy River District Children's Aid Society.

March 2014

Devolution continues and the Family Preservation Program is devolved to the 10 First Nations promoting an array of services to be delivered at the community by the community care programs.

2016

Devolution of administration responsibilities for CIC expenses (clothing, recreation, cultural and holiday) to the Community Care Programs.