“Jurisdiction Journey: Critical Decision Points” Webinar Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM PDT / 11 AM CST
2025 May 20 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(K’emk’emelay̓ – Vancouver, BC, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Territory). The Our Children Our Way Society is honored to welcome our friends and relatives of Cowessess First Nation and the Chief Red Bear Children’s Lodge to present the “Jurisdiction Journey: Critical Decision Points” Webinar on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM PDT / 11 AM CST.
Join us for this live webinar that will focus on Cowessess’s path to a coordination agreement and how they are carrying forward in their jurisdiction journey over child and family services for its members, including those on and off-reserve as exercised through the Miyo Pimatisowin Act that was enacted in 2021. The Act reclaims the Nation’s inherent right to care for its children and families, including lessons learned along the way.
Nicole Cook, a member of Cowessess First Nation and Interim CEO at Chief Red Bear Children’s Lodge, will present from her perspective and experience of leading a dedicated team at Cowessess First Nation to support the revitalization and transformation of child and family services for her people, actively communicating with members to reimagine and redefine what these services should look like for the Nation. A Question & Answer session with attendees will follow the presentation.
Nation leaders, community members, and service providers across Turtle Island will be able to learn from Cowessess First Nation on what they see as the critical decision points having used the legislative pathway An Act Respecting First Nation, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families Coordination Agreement, to resume jurisdiction, such as timelines, challenges, organizational growth and capacity building, and negotiations with partners.
Click here for Zoom Registration Link and here to learn more.
The importance of community-driven initiatives, particularly in reclaiming jurisdiction through involved decision-making echoes through the theme of this year’s Loving Justice: “Wīciwikamātowin – Supporting Each Other” National Conference taking place from September 8-11, 2025, at Prairieland Park, sâskwatôn (Saskatoon), Saskatchewan. Registration and submissions are now open, click here for further information. Sponsors: Federation of Saskatchewan Indigenous Nations, Yellow Thunderbird Lodge, Kanaweyimik Child & Family Services, Cowessess First Nation and Our Children Our Way Society.
-30-
For further comment contact:
- Joni Conlon, Executive Director, Our Children Our Way Secretariat, Tel: 604 803 7371
- Mary Teegee, Maaxswxw Gibuu, Chairperson, Our Children Our Way Society, Tel: 250-612-8710