Tikinagan, SLFNHA “Colour the North Purple” to Raise Awareness for Every Child’s Right to Safety and Well-being

Northwestern Ontario – October 2025: Wearing purple on October 16 is a simple act but carries a strong message. In honour of Dress Purple Day or Abitewaapisowikiishikaa in Anishiniimowin, Tikinagan Child and Family Services is partnering with Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) and the schools in their First Nations to “Colour the North Purple,” raising awareness for every child’s right to safety.

“The well-being of our children is a shared responsibility, from immediate family to extended family, community members, Elders, and leaders,” said Thelma Morris, Tikinagan Executive Director.

Guided by their service model Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin “everyone working together to raise our children”, Tikinagan is partnering with SLFNHA on this campaign to make sure every child and youth feels safe and supported. The collaboration on this initiative comes after the two organizations formalized their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at SLFNHA’s 2025 Annual General Meeting in September.

“By working together, we can create a bigger impact for the children, youth, families and communities we serve,” said Morris.

Traditionally, Tikinagan has connected with schools in their 30 First Nation communities every Abitewaapisowikiishikaa (Dress Purple Day). This year alongside SLFNHA, they are sharing an updated Educator’s Toolkit that includes curriculum, video messaging, contests, and activity sheets to engage with students. Helping children and youth understand their rights and who they can go to if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable is the main goal of their efforts.

“Every child deserves to know how important their well-being is and that they are cared for wherever they are,” said Morris.

To learn more about what Tikinagan and SLFNHA are doing for Abitewaapisowikiishikaa (Dress Purple Day), visit our webpage.