TIKINAGAN IS 40!

Tikinagan Child and Family Services is celebrating its 40^th year of providing culturally-specific child and family services, emphasizing an Indigenous approach in 30 First Nations across Northwestern Ontario.

Founded by the Chiefs of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), Tikinagan has grown from a dream of supporting and strengthening our children, families, and communities into a leading figure in Indigenous-controlled agencies in Canada.

Tikinagan was incorporated on October 11, 1984, after the Chiefs of NAN and the Government of Ontario signed a Memorandum of Agreement outlining their mutual intent to move toward full Indigenous control over child welfare services. The agreement provided for the takeover of Child and Family Services by the Indigenous people of NAN and established a framework for the creation of Tikinagan.

In June 1985, the agency’s parameters were established, and some preventive service delivery was initiated. In April 1986, Tikinagan was given approved agency status and on April 1, 1987, Tikinagan received designation as a Children’s Aid Society with responsibility for all child and family services within its geographical territory.

“We have spent the last four decades meeting the needs of our communities guided by the direction of our Chiefs and our traditional ways of raising children. This approach has shaped our service model, Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin, everyone working together to raise our children,” said Thelma Morris, Tikinagan Executive Director.

Tikinagan was one of the first Indigenous-controlled agencies in Canada. It was the first Indigenous agency recognized as a child protection organization in Ontario, along with Payukotayno Family Services, and the first in Canada to have jurisdiction over both Indigenous and non-Indigenous children.

Tikinagan has continued to grow and provide services to families living in remote First Nations and urban areas. In January 2020, Tikinagan was designated by the Ministry to provide child protection services to the families from our communities who reside in the district of Thunder Bay. On April 1, 2023, Tikinagan celebrated with Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, the first among the 30 First Nations served by Tikinagan and the second in Ontario to create their own family law under Bill C-92, An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families. 

In celebration of the 40^th year milestone, Tikinagan plans to celebrate year-round by sharing memories and messages on social media and in-person with stakeholders and everyone at Tikinagan who has helped promote and practice Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin throughout our history.