PM Trudeau, Chiefs celebrate with Tikinagan

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald, and Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, along with other community leaders and agency partners, celebrate through video with Tikinagan Child & Family Services for the agency’s annual Honouring Our Children Day today.

Tikinagan has released a four-minute video message to remind everyone how important and special children are, especially during challenging circumstance due to COVID-19. The video celebrates the agency’s annual Honouring Our Children Day on June 24, which started in 2010 and is recognized throughout the summer by the agency and in each of the 30 First Nation communities.

“We are beyond honoured to have Mr. Trudeau, the Chiefs, and these leaders celebrating with each our 30 First Nation communities and hononuring the children and youth with a positive message,” said Thelma Morris, Executive Director of Tikinagan. “This is done in the true spirit of our service model Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin, which means “everyone working together to raise our children. The messages are just one way we can celebrate what this day means to our children, families, communities, and staff.”

The video also includes Sandy Lake First Nation Chief and Council, Sioux Lookout Mayor Doug Lawrance, City of Thunder Bay Mayor Bill Mauro, Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies CEO Nicole Bonnie, Association of Native Child and Family Services Agencies of Ontario Elder in Residence Danette Restoule, Kenora MP Eric Melillo, Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa, Former Indigenous NHLer Jason Simon, and Tikinagan staff. 

The full video and individual messages in the video can be found here or social media pages.