Local Tikinagan Child & Family Services staff are celebrating Honouring Our Children day, and they’re being joined by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a former NHL player and many local leaders.
In honour of Honouring Our Children Day today, Tikinagan released a four minute video with messages from local leaders to remind everyone how important children are, especially during the challenging circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Today, our country will celebrate with Tikinagan Child & Family Services on their annual Honouring Our Children Day,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in the video message. “This important day is just one way to remind First Nations children of how awesome, amazing, super, incredible, smart, fun, strong and special they are.”
“This year, our world is looking a little different right now. Making children feel special at a time like this takes a community effort. That’s why we’re all working together to help raise our children. Lets all take time to make the children and youth in our lives feel special.”
The video, which you can find below, celebrates the agency’s annual Honouring Our Children Day, which began in 2010 and is recognized throughout the summer in each of Tikinagan’s 30 First Nation communities they serve in northwestern Ontario.
“We are beyond honoured to have Mr. Trudeau, the Chiefs, and these leaders celebrating with each our 30 First Nation communities and hononuring the children and youth with a positive message,” said Thelma Morris, Executive Director of Tikinagan.
“This is done in the true spirit of our service model Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin, which means ‘everyone working together to raise our children’. The messages are just one way we can celebrate what this day means to our children, families, communities, and staff.”
The video includes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald, Sioux Lookout Mayor Doug Lawrance, Sandy Lake First Nation Chief and Council, Thunder Bay Mayor Bill Mauro, Elder Danette Restoule, Kenora MP Eric Melillo, Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa, former NHL player Jason Simon, and more.
Founded by local Chiefs and Elders, Tikinagan Child & Family Services serves 30 First Nation communities in northwestern Ontario in the Sioux Lookout area, with the aim of mentoring young parents, supporting families and protecting children.
Tikinagan provides 24/7 services and crisis intervention, which can be reached at 1-800-465-3624.
For more information:
Tikinagan Child & Family Services – Honouring Our Children Day video
