The CFS Pilot Project, Restoring Balance to our Nations: Bringing our Children Home has a number of deliverables that are sequential in nature. When the project started we were sure to ground ourselves in the ceremony, so that we would know that whatever work we were involved in, would be done in a good way.

We believe in the principle that each Nation is unique in its own way so the approaches we develop need to reflect that diversity. To ensure we had a good understanding of what exists in each Nation, a thorough environmental scan was conducted of all existing programs and services to ensure we were not "stepping on anyone's toes". These scans are living documents and can be added to or deleted as time passes.  

A literature review was also completed outlining what the wise practice is on various subjects. Wise practices take the place of best practices - because when we say best practice it implies someone is better than someone else because of their knowledge. In the Indigenous worldview, no one is better than anyone else, in the circle, we are all equal, we are all the same. The review is also a living document and will be added as we receive new knowledge.

The next step is for our program to gather feedback from on-reserve members about their levels of satisfaction with the current services being provided on-reserve. This also allows for an opportunity for people to share the things that matter to them most and what they need for wellness to thrive in the Nation.  This is where we are at in the project. We have some feedback already gathered but will be looking for more community input.

Future work will focus on strengthening programs already existing in the Nation and piloting others that are not but are in demand.  Creating wellness in our Nations is the first step towards having healthy homes for children to remain in when a child becomes a risk or has the potential to be at risk.

Keep trying, stay healthy and look out for your neighbours. We are all in this together. If you would like to share your ideas please contact us.