Our Values    

Demonstration of RESPECT in our work

Commitment to building TRUST through consistency and dependability

Dedication to HONESTY and openness in our interactions

Promotion and use of our Aboriginal LANGUAGE

Appreciation and use of ELDERS for their wisdom and guidance

Recognition of the importance of CULTURE for First Nations people

Support for traditional CUSTOMARY CARE practices of caring for children

ACCOUNTABLE for high quality service to children and families

Respect for SPIRITUALITY - its beliefs and practices

Our Principles

  • The primary responsibility for a child's safety and well-being is with the family. The extended family is the next option if a family cannot care for its children.
  • At the community level, the safety and well-being of children is everyone's responsibility. Anyone aware of children in need of protection should ensure the children and their families receive assistance. The primary purpose of service to families is to keep them intact and ensure children are safe and well.
  • Services should be family-focused, community-based, and First Nation-controlled and delivered. The community will establish methods for resolving disagreements with respect to families and children.
  • Tikinagan will provide or arrange for guidance and counselling for families and their children to prevent children from being harmed and wherever possible, to keep children with their families and in their own communities.
  • Where the First Nation is providing services, Tikinagan will provide backup support and advice. Tikinagan is the final authority for ensuring that children are safe and well. Recourse to provincial courts will only be made when all other efforts to protect children have failed.
  • Tikinagan will assist First Nations to locate children who have been lost through the child welfare process and to repatriate children where possible and appropriate.