This session will highlight ALIGN Association’s Well-Being Toolkit and its role in transforming child and family services to better serve Indigenous children and families. Designed to support First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities looking to take over jurisdiction of their child welfare services under Bill C-92, the toolkit integrates traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern practices. It provides a holistic, culturally affirming framework that supports community connections, cultural identity, and self-determination.
The Well-Being Toolkit is a principle-based, culturally rooted framework and a practice oriention that is reflective of diverse ways of being and knowing and grounded in Indigenous perspectives as parallel approaches to validating practice. It was developed in collaboration with youth and families with lived experience, diverse agencies across Alberta, and Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
Key features of the Well-Being Toolkit include:
• Cultural Responsiveness: Ensures that services are tailored to respect and incorporate Indigenous cultural practices, languages, and traditions.
• Holistic Approach: Emphasizes the importance of addressing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being in child and family services.
• Community-Centered: Encourages strong community involvement and the building of supportive networks around children and families.
• Strength-Based Practices: Focuses on recognizing and building upon the strengths of children, families, and communities.
• Self-Determination: Supports the self-determination of Indigenous communities in managing and delivering their own child and family services, fostering greater control and ownership over processes and outcomes.