Our Service Model

Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin is the Tikinagan service model. In Ojibway/Oji-Cree, Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin means, “Everyone working together to raise our children.” It is a system of protecting and caring for children and supporting families that has been designed and is delivered by First Nations people in our 30 communities.

Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin represents the culmination of more than 35 years of work to develop a culturally appropriate response to children and families who are in need of help in the First Nation communities. In developing Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin, we have sought to be true to the original vision that the Chiefs and Elders had when Tikinagan was created.

Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin is designed to respect the inherent authority of First Nations to care for our own children. It acknowledges that our First Nation mandate supersedes provincial legislation and that our ultimate goal is the pursuit of complete First Nation jurisdiction over our own child welfare services. Until this goal can be achieved, Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin is designed to ensure that Tikinagan provides services in accordance with provincial legislation, regulations and standards.

Within all aspects of service delivery, workers are expected to consult with the Elders for their wisdom, guidance, teachings and direction. Since a core value of our model is accountability to the First Nations, Tikinagan workers are required to consult with the First Nations on all case management decisions. First Nations are involved in all child well-being cases and work with Tikinagan to develop service plans for families and placement options and plans of care for children in care. Services are culturally responsive and supportive of traditional values and customs.

Customary care is an integral element of Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin. Within the customary care system, the First Nation Chief and Council have the authority to declare children to be placed in Tikinagan care when removal from their home is required. The First Nation, parents, Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin caregivers and children in care sign a Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin Care Agreement for children coming into the agency’s care. The relationship between the First Nations and Tikinagan is spelled out in protocols that are being developed in unique ways with each First Nation.

Tikinagan shares the sacred responsibility held by parents, extended family and community members to care for children. When a child comes into care, it is important for each child to be part of a network of caring people. Every person who has an interest in the care of a child is asked to become a member of the Wee-chee-way-win Circle for the child. The Wee-chee-way-win Circle may include the child’s parents and siblings, extended family members, the First Nation Chief and Council, Elders, the school principal and teachers, workers from other community resources, Foster Parents and other caregivers, and Tikinagan workers and supervisors. Although each has a different role in the Circle, the success of a child’s emotional security depends on teamwork. By working together in mutual cooperation and respect, a circle of healing will surround the child.