OUR HISTORY / MILESTONES

In the 1970’s, native communities within the Northern part of Ontario began to express concern regarding the high number of Native children in the care of Children’s Aid Societies in their respective areas.

In 1981, the Chiefs of Ontario endorsed a resolution with stated their intent to create their own Indian Child Welfare Laws, Policies and Programs based on the protection of children within their culture and within their families.

Native Child Welfare Prevention Program funding approved by the Ministry of Community and Social Services through Sudbury/Manitoulin Children’s Aid Society.

In 1982, the initiation of Native Child Welfare Prevention Program through Tri-partite agreement began. There was a suspension of Native Child Welfare Prevention Program following transfer of program to the Department of Indian Affairs and later within the year, reinstatement of Native Child Welfare Prevention Program under the legal agreement between the Sudbury/Manitoulin Children’s Aid Society and the Ministry of Community and Social Services and continued to operate under the two party agreement to March 31, 1984.

In 1984, a proposal entitled “Our Children, Our Responsibility” was submitted indicating guidelines for the establishment of a Care and Maintenance Program for Indian children under the auspices of the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin (UCCM).

1985 - 1989, the first workplan for effecting the proposed development of Native directed child welfare services was agreed upon and approved by the Advisory Committee.

Further presentations of workplan’s and agency models were completed by the Advisory Committee in collaboration with consultants.

In 1989, UCCM established a “Steering Committee” whose purpose was to develop the birth of the First Nation Child and Family Services Initiative.

In 1990, the prevention workers originally established within each First Nation community

In 1991, Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services became an “incorporated body” to function as a Indian Child Welfare Service Authority on behalf of our member First Nation communities. The objectives for which the Kina Gbezhgomi became incorporated are:

To establish an Indian-directed and controlled child and family care organization to plan, design, implement and deliver culturally appropriate services to children and their families in First Nation communities, and to Indian children and their families in other parts of the corporations service area;
To provide an organization which member Indian Bands or First Nations may designate as a Band Representative for the purpose of child and family services legislation in Ontario, and as an authority for the purpose of negotiating with governments for the provision of services.

In 1992, Cockburn Island (Zhiibaahaasing) First Nation, a newly approved UCCM member enlisted their participation in Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services.

Kina Gbezhgomi receives funding from the Ministry of Community & Social Services for community-based Family Support Worker positions.

In 1993, Kina Gbezhgomi signs a Protocol Agreement with the Manitoulin / Sudbury Children’s Aid Society. Kina Gbezhgomi initiates a transitional phase to achieve society status.

In 1994, Kina Gbezhgomi focuses on developing a Customary Care Program.

In 1995, Kina Gbezhgomi commences an Emergency After-Hours Program and signs a revised Protocol Agreement with CAS.

In 1996, Client File Population Statistical Report including a Case File Review completed with the Manitoulin / Sudbury Children’s Aid Society.

In 1997, Kina Gbezhgomi undergoes an internally restructuring process. Satellite office opens in West Bay First Nation as a central location. Moratorium put in place by the Ministry of Community & Social Services for further designations.

In 1998, MCSS completed review on the five (5) Mandated Native Agencies in Ontario, moratorium continues to stand. West Bay Satellite Office closed.

In 1999, Ministry approves funding to hire a consultant to assist Kina Gbezhgomi, i.e. -community perceptions regarding the effectiveness of agency services, job descriptions, training needs for service staff, board minutes as board policies, corporate by-laws, internal case file audit, foster care manual.

In 2000, the Protocol Agreement is revised with the Sudbury / Manitoulin Children’s Aid Society.

In 2001, Kina Gbezhgomi achieves a residential care / foster care license (first in Ontario being a pre-mandated agency).