OCNCFS: A Pillar of Strength and Support for Families

Meeting the Diverse Needs of the Community

The agency offers a wide range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of the community. Preventative services are at the forefront, with programs like parenting workshops, community activities, and family counseling aiming to foster healthy family dynamics and prevent crises. When families do face challenges, OCNCFS steps in with supportive services, providing resources such as housing assistance and mental health support to help them navigate tough times. For children at risk, the agency's protective services work tirelessly to ensure their safety and well-being.

Mother

Kimberly Bignell, a 34-year-old mother of four boys and one girl, lives in Swan River and is a member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation community. She shares that the father of her children left the family, leaving her to manage everything on her own, which was incredibly challenging. Initially, she didn't know where or how to seek help and support, but eventually she was led to OCNCFS and they started assisting her and her children. Now, she enjoys a healthy life with her kids. She said, "I'm pretty much like a single mom, so it's hard but I get it done, and I really love it. I mostly stay at home with them while the kids go to school. I can't imagine my life any other way. When I lost the kids, I couldn't even breathe. It was a feeling I had never experienced before."

Kimberly had struggled with alcohol and drug use, but with the help of OCNCFS, she has returned to a stable life. She recalls those days when her substance abuse led to her children being taken away for their safety. She said, "I fell into alcohol and drugs. I was drinking almost every week, leaving my kids with a babysitter for long periods. I was just hurt. I dealt with it in the wrong way, but losing my children opened my eyes. It was hard on me. I was in denial and mad at everyone for taking my kids. I kept telling myself there was nothing wrong with me. I still feel like I owe everything to my kids, and I owe them an apology."

Cultural Reconnection Programs

One of the unique aspects of OCNCFS is its commitment to innovation in child welfare. The Cultural Reconnection Programs are a standout example, helping children in care reconnect with their Cree heritage through traditional ceremonies, language classes, and cultural camps. These initiatives are not just about learning history; they are about building identity and self-esteem.

Elders play a crucial role in OCNCFS's approach. Through Elder-Involved Case Management, their wisdom and knowledge of Cree traditions guide the creation of care plans that respect and honor cultural values. This involvement ensures that the solutions are not only effective but also culturally appropriate.

Elder

Edwin Jebb, a counselor and elder in the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, is pleased with the positive changes between the nation and OCNCFS. He says, "Years ago, even ten or five years ago, people saw the agency as evil, as demons. They stayed away and badmouthed them, but that's changing. I see and feel the changes. People now view the workers not as enemies but as supporters, and that's very important."

Member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation and legal counsel for the Opaskwayak Cree Nation Child and Family Services Agency

Jessica Saunders, a member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation and legal counsel for the Opaskwayak Cree Nation Child and Family Services Agency, also notes positive changes within the CFS agency in the community. She adds, "I work with both the nation and the agency. When I started this work, the leadership was very supportive. They work with the agency in collaboration, not opposition. They truly embody the spirit of working together. The agency is led by Myrna Flett, who herself participates in ceremonies and leads with intention, integrity, and heart."

Executive Director of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation Child and Family Services Agency

Myrna Flett, the Executive Director of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation Child and Family Services Agency, has been with OCNCFS since its establishment on April 1, 2005, in various capacities. She has extensive knowledge of the agency's services and responsibilities. She emphasizes that the last thing they want to do is apprehend children. "We provide numerous services for the well-being of families in the First Nation community in The Pas and OCN," she says. "We have our Intake unit and our Family Enhancement unit to prevent children from coming into care. We focus more efforts on our Intake and Family Enhancement departments, creating additional support to avoid having to apprehend children. We do everything possible to prevent that."

OCNCFS is more than an agency; it is a lifeline for the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. By providing culturally relevant, community-centered services, it not only transforms individual lives but also strengthens the entire community. The agency's creative and culturally centered approach to child and family services sets a powerful example, paving the way for a brighter, more resilient future for OCN.

Elected Chief of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation

Maureen Brown, the elected Chief of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, is also pleased with the services provided by OCNCFS, but she believes the agency can do more. She says, "I am happy with the services they provide, but that doesn't mean they can't provide more. In my sixth decade, I understand that it's all about awareness and consciousness. If people aren't aware or conscious of a situation, they can't make changes. As they say, when you know better, you do better."