History, Mission & Vision

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We must strive to be culturally competent by taking the time to learn from the Indigenous communities we work alongside. This includes learning about specific history, customs, child reading practices, and protocols, and taking steps to incorporate these elements into program and service delivery. We strongly believe that communities know best, and our goal is to support the capacity of services they want to offer to their young people and families. Our care teams take the time to critically reflect on power imbalances, institutional discrimination, and colonial relationships to enhance the way we practice. 

We must acknowledge the complexities of our positionalities while working with a family or community. We give weight to how our lived experience influences the way we interact with others. This requires an analysis of individual bias and privilege and relies on engaging in self-reflection. This practice recognizes that it is our responsibility to tackle oppressive practices that affect the well-being of the family and communities we work with. 

We must acknowledge and incorporate the lived expertise of children, youth, families, and elders. This requires providing the opportunities for the people we work alongside to feel safe in expressing feedback, and taking the time to ensure that nation members are invited into the care circle. This practice takes a holistic approach- considering the physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being of young people and families- and it seeks to honor the agency and wisdom that community members inherently have. 

We must invite each other to share our personal and professional needs and goals for the purpose of mutual learning and creating high-quality services. This includes creating space to hear all perspectives and recognizing that a circle is strengthened by the unique contributions of each member. We believe that providing a space where speaking your truth can contribute to the overall wellbeing of all of those involved. 

We must act with integrity, transparency and accountability to children, youth, families, communities, stakeholders, and ourselves. This requires providing opportunities for all people involved to engage in active feedback and collaboration in decision making. This practice recognizes the importance of mutual respect in a relationship, and it creates space to engage in effective dispute resolution.  

We must strive to achieve long-term success and viability of the services provided. This includes protecting the safety, health, and welfare of colleagues, communities, stakeholders, and service users. We recognize the impact of caregiving, and the importance of these services existing and practicing in a good way.