Band Engagement

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) strives to keep children and families connected to their Indigenous and Urban Indigenous communities to provide a life of quality, caring and well-being. NCFST’s All Our Relations Worker actively works to develop, enhance and sustain working relationships with bands and Indigenous communities by advancing communication and knowledge of child welfare systems and practices through active, meaningful engagement. By fostering mutually respectful relationships, our All Our Relations Worker works in partnership with bands and Indigenous community representatives to strengthen the spiritual, physical, emotional and mental well-being of Indigenous children, youth and families. We recognize that the wisdom, values and traditional practices of bands and communities are critical to advancing strong identities and self-determination for the families we serve.

Through a spirit of understanding, respect and collaboration, the All Our Relations Worker works to:

  • Develop capacity with bands and Indigenous communities regarding the child welfare system and Child Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA);
  • Plan, coordinate and lead engagements with Indigenous and Urban Indigenous communities;
  • Negotiate protocols with bands with respect to Band Council Resolutions (BCR), Customary Care Agreements and permanency planning for children and youth;
  • Construct mutually beneficial relationships by promoting the best interest of Indigenous children and families;
  • Educate and build NCFST’s internal capacity regarding all band relationships, traditions, values and protocols; and
  • Develop an understanding of traditions and practices with mainstream children’s aid societies while assisting with ongoing interactions and protocols when engaging with bands, territories and Indigenous communities.