Kaa-iishi-Waabamidiziwaach
Tikinagan’s 2SLGBTQ+ Committee
At Tikinagan Child & Family Services, we have a 2SLGBTQ+ Committee called
Kaa-iishi-Waabamidiziwaach, which means “how the people self-identify” in
Oji-Cree. Our committee advocates for diversity and inclusion for both our staff and the communities we serve. Our staff are equipped to understand the challenges that 2SLGBTQ+ people and allies experience in our communities when seeking support.
To help you on your journey, our committee has compiled a number of safe contacts, resources and information for those who may need help on their journey to understanding themselves, their loved ones, foster children, or anyone in their lives who may identify under the 2SLGBTQ+ umbrella.
Tikinagan provides family support and intervention services for families who are experiencing difficulties, and works to help these families find the resources needed to overcome them. Whenever possible, we work to help children and families stay together, and to help parents care for their children.
Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin is the Tikinagan service model. In Ojibway/Oji-Cree, Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin means, “Everyone working together to raise our children.” It is a system of protecting and caring for children and supporting families that has been designed and is delivered by First Nations people in our 30 communities.
In the spirit of Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin, Tikinagan strives to be a diverse and inclusive organization that supports equality and is committed to fostering a supportive environment for all. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religious beliefs, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, source of income, gender identity or gender expression. We are all in this together, equally, to be effective and professional for the communities we serve.
Kaa-iishi-Waabamidiziwaach would like to thank you for using this resource guide to better support queer people, especially youth, in your community. Our committee is always happy to provide guidance to Tikinagan employees, but also to all of the communities we serve.
A digital version of the guide is available for download below!
NAN Hope
The Nishnawbe Aski Mental Health Wellness Support Access Program (NAN Hope) provides community-driven, culturally appropriate and timely mental health and addictions support to members of the 49 First Nations communities in the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Territory.
This First Nation-led program is in response to the specific mental health needs of community members in northern Ontario, offering a central access point to mental health and addictions support.
- 24/7 live answer at the toll-free telephone line at 1-844-NAN-HOPE (626-4673)
- Live web-chat and text support through the website at nanhope.ca or Facebook Messenger
Hotlines for Anyone
Telehealth Ontario
1-866-797-0000
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line (24Hours)
1-855-242-3310
Get more tools at Ontario’s Association of Children’s Aid Societies
Associated Children's Aid Societies
The Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies provides services on behalf and to its member Children’s Aid Societies and associate member pre-mandated Indigenous agencies.
OACAS works to enhance the lives of Indigenous children involved in the child welfare system in Ontario. This is achieved through identifying and uniting key stakeholders to help inform child welfare policy and legislation that makes sense for Indigenous children and families. This will inform best practice approaches for agencies working with Indigenous children and families, to ensure greater knowledge, understanding, and awareness of the unique history and culture of Indigenous children and families.
Association of Native Child and Family Services Agencies of Ontario is an association of Indigenous child and family well-being agencies mandated to build a better life for all Indigenous children through promoting the delivery of culturally-based services.
Have a community resource we should share? Contact us communications@tikinagan.org.