The Power of Unity, The Dignity of Difference
Awashishewiigiihiwaywiin (Social Services Framework)
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Programming is open to all Matawa families. For more information, or to register, please contact Nicole at ngamble@matawa.on.ca or call or text 807-632-7857. Follow Awashishewiigiihiwaywiin on Facebook.
About Awashishewiigiihiwaywiin
Awashishewiigiihiwaywiin supports both on- and off-reserve families from the Matawa First Nations who are at-risk of child welfare involvement, currently have open files, or have previously had children apprehended. We also support families from the Matawa First Nations with Customary Care Agreements, Kinship Agreements, and advocacy.
Awashishewiigiihiwaywiin supports Matawa families at-risk of involvement with the child welfare system through the principles of prevention, planning, and goal setting, using community-based, culturally appropriate and responsive care models, with a focus on prevention and family reunification. The program also provides opportunities for caregivers and children to participate in traditional parenting programs, life skills, cultural, and other group programs.
To access services and complete an intake call Awashishewiigiihiwaywiin reception: 807-698-7406
SERVICES PROFILE – OCT 2021 RACK CARD BIRTH ALERT BROCHURE
WHERE TO GET FOOD IN THUNDER BAY 2023
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT-IN-PRINICPLE REGARDING COMPENSATION FOR FIRST NATIONS CHILDREN
What is Jordan’s Principle?
Jordan’s Principle is named in honour of Jordan River Anderson, a young First Nations boy from Norway House Cree Nation in northern Manitoba, who spent his entire life in hospital while caught in a jurisdictional dispute between the governments of Canada and Manitoba, which both refused to pay for the in-home medical care necessary for Jordan to live in his home and community.
Jordan’s Principle is a legal directive to ensure that never again will a child be forced to wait for care that is in their best interest to thrive in their home and community. It can be used to apply for mental, physical, and educational health support to ensure your child has the care they need and your family has the resources to provide for a loved one with complex or chronic health needs. Jordan’s Principle can be accessed to help families and communities provide child-first solutions and culturally appropriate supports and services.
How can Awashishewiigiihiwaywin help?
Awashishewiigiihiwaywiin can help you navigate the Jordan’s Principle process, apply for funding, provide letters of support, and submit product and service requests.
What does Jordan’s Principle cover?
Funding can help with a wide range of health, social and educational needs, including the unique needs that First Nations Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA children and youth and those with disabilities may have. Some examples of what has been funded under Jordan’s Principle include:
- Health: Mobility aids, wheelchair ramps, specialized hearing aids, assessments and screenings, transportation to appointments, medical supplies and equipment, long-term care for children with specialized needs, therapeutic services for individuals or groups (including speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy), addiction and mental health services, services from Elders, traditional healing services, and services for children in care.
- Social: Social worker, personal support worker, specialized summer camps, land-based activities, respite care (for individuals or groups), and specialized programs based on cultural beliefs and practices.
- Education: School supplies, tutoring services, teaching assistants, specialized school transportation, psycho-educational assessments, and assistive technologies and electronics.
For more information about Jordan’s Principle please contact:
- Awashishewiigiihiwaywiin reception: 807-698-7406
- Jordan’s Principle Call Centre – Available 24/7: 1-855-572-4453
- Your First Nation’s Jordan’s Principle Navigator
Date Modified: November 2024
Awashishewiigiihiwaywiin’s Next Steps program provides post-majority support services to on- and off-reserve Matawa youth aged 18-25 as they transition out of the child welfare system and into adulthood.
The Next Steps program envisions a world where all youth, regardless of past child welfare involvement, are prioritized and provided with the same opportunities as any other youth in Canada. Next Steps is focused on meeting every young person’s distinct needs and self-identified goals with strength-based and trauma-informed support.
What is the Next Steps program?
Youth aging out of care work one of Awashishewiigiihiwaywiin’s Youth-in-Transition Workers to identify their goals and work towards achieving independence. These goals are personal and different for everyone, which is why Next Steps offers a holistic range of supports that are tailored to each client. Some examples of goals youth can work towards include education, professional development, and driver’s education.
Matawa Next Steps program connects youth to a range of supports, including health and wellness services, trauma-informed mental health and addictions treatment, parenting supports, and more. Next Steps also offers cultural programs, including land-based wellness, language courses, and guidance from Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
Plus, Matawa Next Steps program can help with funds for rent, food, household necessities, clothing and personal care items, and public transportation.
Who is eligible?
On- and off-reserve Matawa members aged 18-25 who were involved in the child welfare system – including foster care, kinship care, voluntary youth service agreements, or those adopted out of family of origin – between the ages of 18-16.
If you would like more information about Next Steps or to complete an intake, please call Bella Shields, Next Steps Lead, at 807-632-9170 or Awashishewiigiihiwaywiin reception at 807-698-7406.
Date Modified: November 2024
Awashishewiigiihiwaywiin Staff
523 Algoma St. N.