Services & Programs
Welcome to the Services & Programs page of Grassy Narrows First Nation!
Here, you’ll find detailed information about the various services and programs we offer to support the well-being of our children, families, and community. Our approach is rooted in our traditions, culture, and language, ensuring that every child grows up in a safe, nurturing, and culturally rich environment.
Child and Family Services Program
Our primary child and family services program is dedicated to ensuring the safety, well-being, and cultural continuity of our children. This program operates under the Grassy Narrows Child Care Law and provides comprehensive support to families both on and off the reserve.
Key Services Provided:
Customary Care Support: Ensuring children are cared for by extended family or community members, in line with our cultural traditions.
Nurturing Care Plans: Tailored plans that focus on the holistic well-being of the child, incorporating cultural teachings and practices.
Crisis Intervention: Immediate support for families in crisis, including mediation and emergency placement services.
Counseling Services: Access to culturally relevant counseling for children and families, including traditional healing practices.
In-Home Support: Assistance provided directly in the home to help families create safe and nurturing environments.
Respite Care: Temporary care services to give primary caregivers a much-needed break while ensuring the child remains in a safe environment.
Land-Based Healing Programs
Understanding the importance of our connection to the land, we offer various land-based healing programs that bring together Elders, children, and families to engage in traditional activities. These include:
Hunting, Fishing, and Gathering Camps: Opportunities for families to learn and practice traditional skills while strengthening family bonds.
Cultural Retreats: Extended stays where children and families can immerse themselves in cultural teachings, ceremonies, and language learning.
Seasonal Celebrations: Community events honoring traditional practices like maple syrup gathering and wild rice harvesting.
Support for Youth
Recognizing the unique needs of our youth, we provide programs that help young people transition into adulthood while maintaining strong connections to their culture and community. These include:
Youth Mentorship Programs: Pairing young people with mentors who provide guidance, support, and encouragement.
Educational Support Services: Assistance with schoolwork, access to tutoring, and guidance on educational pathways.
Life Skills Workshops: Teaching essential skills such as financial management, job readiness, and personal wellness.
Traditional Parenting Programs
Our traditional parenting programs are designed to reconnect parents with ancestral child-rearing practices, ensuring that children grow up with a strong sense of identity and cultural heritage. These programs include:
Parenting Workshops: Sessions led by Elders and Knowledge Keepers, focusing on traditional child-rearing practices and modern parenting skills.
Cultural Parenting Circles: Regular gatherings where parents can share experiences, learn from one another, and receive guidance from Elders.
Language Immersion for Families: Programs to help parents and children learn and use Ojibway in their daily lives.
Prevention Services
Our prevention services are aimed at supporting families before challenges escalate. We work closely with other First Nation service providers to ensure that every family has access to the resources they need, including:
Early Intervention Services: Identifying and addressing potential issues in families before they lead to crisis, with a focus on keeping families together.
Prenatal and Postnatal Support: Specialized services for expectant and new mothers to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and child.
Financial Assistance Programs: Support to help families overcome economic barriers that may impact the well-being of their children.
How to Access Our Services
To learn more about our services, or if you need support, please contact our child welfare office directly. Our team is here to assist you and ensure that all children and families in Grassy Narrows have access to the care and resources they need.
We encourage you to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance. We are committed to supporting the well-being of our children, families, and community.