EdmontonFort McMurray is now home to a new Delegated First Nations child and family services agency — the Mikisew Awasis Kisiwatsowin Society — which will deliver child protection services and prevention support to families living on reserve in the Mikisew Cree First Nation. Agency aims to bring children back to their rootsJesmeen Gill · CBC News · Posted: Oct 09, 2025 4:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: 11 hours agoThe Mikisew Awasis Kisiwatsowin Society opened in Fort McMurray, Alta., earlier this month. (Jesmeen Gill/CBC)Fort McMurray is now home to a new Delegated First Nations child and family services agency — the Mikisew Awasis Kisiwatsowin Society — which will deliver child protection services and prevention support to families living on reserve in the Mikisew Cree First Nation.Delegated First Nations agencies are independent, registered incorporated organizations, separate from Crown corporations or children’s services. They provide child welfare services within the boundaries of the First Nation they serve. The creation of the agency marks a historic shift in how child and family services will be handled within the community, according to speakers at the grand opening, such as elders and community members. Currently, files belonging to Mikisew Cree people involved with child intervention services are handled by the province.“So this is a historic moment because now Mikisew Cree First Nation and the agency will assume responsibility of those files,” said Charlene McGrath, the society’s executive director.The agency is situated in a building that was previously a bank, located in downtown Fort McMurray.The vision for this centre has been in development for about seven years, McGrath said. The legal process of establishing the agency was completed in January, and McGrath joined as executive director in March.McGrath said the name of the facility could be interpreted in different ways.“[But] what we’ve been told is that it means Mikisew’s love of a child, and that children are a gift from the creator.”A milestone for reclaiming child welfareThe grand opening was held Oct. 2 in Fort McMurray and brought together community members, Elders, and leadership including Chief Billy Joe Tuccaro.“It means now that we finally have a say in regards to our children on reserve,” Tuccaro said.Tuccaro said the number of Mikisew Cree children in care has risen in recent years meaning children “aren’t able to know their nation, their culture and their traditions.”“Now with this the doors opening today these children have an opportunity to learn our traditions and our cultures,” he said.Chief Billy Joe Tuccaro speaks at the grand opening of the Mikisew Awasis Kisiwatsowin Society. He said this is a moment of pride for the community. (Jesmeen Gill/CBC)The chief also shared that the day held personal meaning for him.“My mother was also one who was adopted out. She went through eight foster homes,” he said. “When you hear those kinds of stories happening in the ‘60s and they’re still happening in 2025, it’s time to make a change and here we are.” Why Fort McMurray?While Mikisew Cree First Nation is based in Fort Chipewyan, Fort McMurray was chosen as the site for the new agency because it serves as a central hub for many Mikisew members, This makes it easier to travel to and to reach those living in other cities such as Edmonton, McGrath said.McGrath said the agency will respond to reports from RCMP, community members, schools, or even parents themselves if a child may be at risk of harm, neglect or abuse.When a report comes in, they conduct an assessment to determine whether it meets the threshold for intake. If it does, that’s where connections are made — to collaterals, and then ultimately to the children and the families.For McGrath, who has worked in child welfare for more than two decades, the opening represents something deeply personal.“I started on the road of child welfare 21 years ago. So it’s very dear to my heart to ensure that every child is loved, feels supported, and a part of a family,” she said.“I have spent my whole career working with Indigenous communities and with Indigenous families and children… it’s a very monumental moment.”Tuccaro said the moment symbolizes pride and healing for Mikisew Cree First Nation.“I think about my past chief Steve Courtoreille. He had this vision as well when I was in council with him and today I reflect and I think back on them and also, I pay respects to the kids that did not make it home,” he said. “So today this is also for them.”ABOUT THE AUTHORJesmeen Gill is a reporter for CBC News in Edmonton. She is a recent graduate from Carleton University’s journalism program in Ottawa and has previously interned at The Canadian Press. You can reach her at jesmeen.gill@cbc.ca.
A historic moment: Mikisew Cree First Nation opens new child and family services agency in Fort McMurray
