Natalie Daniels is of Dakota and Ojibway heritage and was born and raised in the Treaty #1 Territory. Natalie is also a 4th generation urban Indigenous wife, mother and advocate for children, youth and families and has worked in the child welfare field for over 18 years, both at the grassroots and political levels. Her journey has brought her to work with many families and allies through out Manitoba, from the most northern communities to the very southern ones. Natalie has joined the DOCFS family as their Project Implementation Coordinator and brings with her the expertise of the DOCFS Enhanced Resource Team's Cultural, Transition, and Preventative Services Coordinators. Natalie will be sharing a brief overview on the innovative programming and resources that the DOCFS Prevention Team has made available for everyone, including all children, youth and their families.
The DOCFS/SOSD Reconciliation project overall goals include:
- Providing children/youth with access cultural supports and services to enhance their indigenous identity and self-image though empowerment, encouragement and confidence for the future.
- Encourage connection and stimulates collaboration between agencies, foster parents, kinship homes, care providers, children and community.
- Enhanced knowledge of cultural teachings & traditional knowledge.
- Increased knowledge about historical Indigenous family structure and traditions.
- Cultural preservation by passing down cultural awareness and knowledge to younger generations.
Session Activity:
The Kiizhawatisiwin- Circle of Care activity will be provided by Natalie and the DOCFS Cultural Coordinator, Jason Parenteau, for all to participate in. The aim is to help you build your very own resource circle and connecting you to culturally relevant programing and increased opportunities for all. We will also share on how to access these preventative services and supports. We strongly believe that with our collective experiences and expertise (including yours), together, we will begin developing opportunities to help bring our communities together in the spirit of truth and reconciliation. Let's work together by helping one another create your very own Kiizhawatisiwin- circle of support!
