CFS Pilot Project: Restoring Balance to Our Nations – Bringing Our Children Home

The Restoring Balance to Our Nations: Bringing Our Children Home pilot project follows a series of intentional and interconnected steps. From the beginning, we grounded the work in ceremony to ensure that all efforts are carried out in a good way, guided by spirit and community.

At the core of our approach is the understanding that each Nation is unique, with its own strengths, challenges, and identity. Because of this, our strategies are designed to be flexible and responsive to the distinct needs of each community.

To begin, we conducted environmental scans across participating Nations to gain a clear picture of the existing programs and services. This step ensures that we’re working alongside—not over—existing supports, with respect for what is already in place. These scans are considered living documents, which means they will evolve as communities grow and change.

We also completed a literature review to explore what are referred to as wise practices. Unlike the term “best practices,” which can suggest a hierarchy of knowledge, wise practices reflect an Indigenous worldview—where all voices and experiences are equal, and learning is shared in the circle. This document will also grow as new knowledge is shared with us.

We are currently gathering feedback from on-reserve members about their experiences with current services. This is a vital part of the process, giving community members the opportunity to speak on what matters most to them and what they feel is needed for wellness to thrive. While we’ve collected some responses already, we continue to welcome more input.

Looking ahead, the focus will be on strengthening existing programs and piloting new ones where there is clear community demand. Our ultimate goal is to support wellness within the Nation—laying a strong foundation for safe, healthy homes where children can remain connected to their families and communities, even when challenges arise.

We encourage everyone to continue taking care of themselves and one another. We are in this together. If you have ideas, feedback, or would like to be involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.