Kainaiwa Children’s Services Corporation
Mission
Through holistic programming, based on traditional values as outlined in the declaration of Elders, “Kainaysinni”, Kainaiwa Children’s Services Corporation works with the children and families in need of support and protection to become positive, healthy contributing members of our community.
VISION
Through great pride in our history, tradition, culture and language, Kainaiwa Children’s Services Corporation is dedicated to the development and protection of our children and families as we create our Nation’s future.
ABOUT US
Kainaiwa Children’s Services Corporation (KCSC) was established in July 1996 with a mandate to offer Prevention and Support Programs.
Over the past 26 years, KCSC has expanded significantly, leading to the creation of various services including the Blood Tribe Child Protection Services Corporation, Blood Tribe Youth Wellness Center, Blood Tribe Youth Ranch, Kainai Women’s Wellness Lodge, Blood Tribe Safe Home & Assessment Center, and the Family Resource Center. Additionally, KCSC manages two programs contracted with the province: the Blackfoot Language & Culture Program in Lethbridge and the Iinniipookaa (Buffalo Child) Program in Edmonton.
KCSC is dedicated to family preservation, offering a wide range of educational resources and support programs for Blood Tribe members. The organization extends its gratitude to its staff for their dedication to serving the community while upholding KCSC’s Vision and Mission, incorporating Blood Tribe traditions through Kainaysinni. Appreciation is also extended to the Board of Directors and Elders for their ongoing support.
About the Blood Tribe Family Preservation Code
The Blood Tribe Family Preservation Code (BTFPC) is a proposed child services law grounded in Kainaiysinni— the traditional laws, values, and customs of the Blood Tribe.
This initiative is focused on creating a culturally appropriate, community-driven framework that safeguards the well-being of Kainai children and families.
As a direct response to federal Bill C-92, which affirms the right of First Nations to implement their own child and family services legislation, Kainaiwa Children’s Services Corporation (KCSC) is committed to aligning its policies with the community’s cultural framework and priorities. The Family Preservation Code represents a crucial step in exercising this inherent right to self-governance.
This legislation places family preservation at its core—emphasizing kinship, cultural continuity, and the support families need to thrive. It is designed to be both trauma-informed and culturally rooted, ensuring that child welfare services reflect the lived realities and aspirations of the Kainai people, rather than externally imposed systems.
The development of the Code involves consultation with Elders, community leaders, and families, ensuring it is guided by collective knowledge and lived experience. Ultimately, the BTFPC aims to reclaim control over child and family services strengthening the fabric of the community for current and future generations. The legislation will encompass our inherent right to govern our children services, not just specific to child welfare but all services, including prevention, residential and support services.
Community Survey
In the spring of 2024, the Family Preservation Code hosted focus groups and community engagement sessions to gather insights from Blood Tribe members, Elders, families, and individuals with lived experience in the child welfare system. This survey is part of our broader effort to strengthen our own laws and systems for child and family well-being, grounded in Blackfoot ways of knowing and community responsibility.
From September 2024 to January 2025, a communitywide survey was conducted to further assess needs related to children and family services. This survey utilized Indigenous research methodologies and served as a comprehensive tool to gather data on
Survey Results
DEMOGRAPHICS
AGE
education, action planning, training, and other areas that will inform the development of the Code. Over 1,200 individual responses were received.
With the expertise of Blood Tribe member and Indigenous health researcher Chloe Cross Child, the survey data has been analyzed to support the development of legislation and programming led by Kainaiwa Children’s Services Corporation (KCSC). Keeping participants informed throughout this process reinforces that their voices are heard and valued—an essential step in building trust and community support for the implementation of the Code.
12 - over 65
25-54 years
Age ranged across the span of with the most respondents being middle aged. Majority (65.7%) are between (working-age adults).
Majority of respondents identified as female GENDER
BLOOD TRIBE MEMBERSHIP
Overall, the Majority (92%) of respondents said they were registered with the Blood Tribe. Those who were not registered Blood Tribe members still had kinship connections, predominantly through marriage, as foster parents, or they worked in the community.
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
CARING FOR CHILDREN UNDER 18
Majority of respondents were working full time or full-time students approx. 67% The most common numbers of children are , , and . A smaller proportion of respondents have . 0 (25.6%) 1 (25.2%) 2 (21.7%) 4 or more children (12.6% total)
The majority of respondents have 0 to 3 children
87.4% in total
CURRENT RESIDENCE
We also had many respondents who were both raised and currently reside on the Blood reserve. About half of the population that took the survey lives on the Blood reserve, for those who were off reserve predominantly lived in Lethbridge, Cardston, or Calgary.
Are you aware of the Provincial Child, Youth, and Family Enhancement Act?
The Provincial Child, Youth, and Family Enhancement Act is the legal framework for child protection and intervention services in Alberta. It outlines the responsibilities of Child and Youth Services, including supporting children who are abused, neglected, or in need of intervention. Blood Tribe Child Protective Services currently operates under the legislation. When asked about awareness on the Provincial Child, Youth, and family enhancement act we saw that knowledge was evenly split.
What does Family Preservation Mean to You?
The term “Family Preservation” has multiple meanings and is not fixed entirely to one definition. We ask Blood Tribe members to use their own words to define Family Preservation and to gather key themes that would shape our legislation.
Upholding Family & Kinship Relations
Resurgence of Nistawatsimanii
Maintaining strong familial and kinship networks as foundational elements of community health and sovereignty.
Repairing and strengthening knowledge of, access to, and practices of traditions of caregiving and child-rearing.
“Family preservation is keeping families together instead of breaking up a family.”
“Preserving the family structure from all Blackfoot perspective, continue our traditional ways understanding that our society is a matriarch system. And always listen to the older ones in our family.”
Empowering Children & Caregivers
Practicing Kímmapiiyipitssini
Access to vital resources, support systems, and community programs.
Kindness or compassionate ways of being, as a fundamental expression of Kainaiwa self-determination.
“Providing programs and services to ensure that family stay together if they are experiencing issues.”
“Healthy relationships where we respect and love each other. If we follow our ancestors’ ways, we stick together and help each other survive and thrive.”
Kainaiwa Children’s Services Corporation is dedicated to family preservation, offering a wide range of educational resources and support programs for Blood Tribe members. We asked community members what protective factors help keep families together.
Top 5 1 2 3 4 5
The protective factors identified by the community:
We also gained valuable insights from the written responses, especially for options not included in the original choices. These responses emphasized the importance of showing love and attachment, educating about MMIWG and gender justice, healing from intergenerational trauma, and the need for community members to support and uplift one another.
How can culture be incorporated into best practices for our children and families?
Culture can be incorporated into best practices by creating lived, immersive experiences rooted in Niitsitapi ways of life. Respondents emphasized the need for greater access to elders, ceremonies, language, and traditional parenting practices. They called for programs that strengthen identity, cultural confidence, and daily practices like smudging and prayer. Importantly, they asked for family-inclusive approaches that allow all generations to learn together, ensuring culture remains a shared and ongoing part of everyday life.
Strengthening Cultural & Spiritual Literacy
Improving Access to Elders & Knowledge Keepers
“I strongly believe that culture is experienced, it’s not something that is taught in a classroom or workshop. Culture can be incorporated into best practices for children and youth by integrating culturally relevant practices, promoting inclusive activities, respecting diverse backgrounds, and engaging families in the processes that are led by our own people. By being fully immersed and surrounded by our families and our people, those children and families you are serving are experiencing our culture - in the purest form.”
“Utilizing all the elders in our community as they each hold valuable knowledge and having ceremony and cultural practices available to families in need. Understand the history of our people and of our ceremonies will help people connect with our past and our ancestors and will remind them we have a good past and a strong foundation. Our people are not products of residential school, and we can get through difficult times as we are a strong nation. Cultural practices and awareness must be made available to everyone not just for people in society and their families. Our society members need to be relied on more to assist people in need and called on as they hold strength in prayer and ceremony. They must be consulted. We need to instill in our children and in our families the values that helped our ancestors survive for thousands of years and really practice kimapiipitsin.”
Strengthening Cultural Confidence
Holistic and Multigenerational Pedagogies
“Teaching and encouraging our children to embrace their identity as Nitsitapi/ Apaitsitapi. Practicing our kinship system and also speaking our language to our children. Let our children know they belong to strong people.”
“Making cultural resources more accessible to the whole family. Usually supports are only offered for certain genders or age groups. It would be great to have cultural programming for the whole family to attend together instead of the family being separated and having members of the family left out.”
What is KCSC doing well in supporting Children and Families?
The primary goal of KCSC is to develop and implement a holistic program which will address the needs of Blood Tribe Children and families. We asked community to provide us with examples of what programs and services offered by our organization have the most impact in the lives of their children and families.
Inclusive Support for Tribal Members
Beyond the Reserve
Community Gatherings and Connections
“As a single parent and sole provider for my children and live off reserve the one-time support payment has helped greatly”
“Helping with cost of living to all members on and off reserve”
“We have accessed the preventative funding program this past year and it’s been so helpful. Considering we live in Calgary and rent is $2495 plus utilities.”
“Community gatherings especially during Halloween or Christmas. I was a child and my sisters in care for years. I have tons of experience of things we never got help with and certain workers never took their job seriously with children like us.”
“When I was in foster care, the connections Kainaiwa children’s services made helped a lot. they helped arrange special gatherings to make sure I wouldn’t forget my roots and heritage it was very special and near dear to my heart. today as a young adult, I am able to carry that special wisdom that was offered to me through elders and i am grateful because I know most children in care today would may not receive this.”
Supporting Family Success
Prioritizing Family & Kin Rehoming Options
“I think the preventative support program is amazing! It doesn’t only focus on families that are in the system but rather it has reached out to families that are trying very hard to maintain a healthy home for their children. I think that is such an important step, many systems in society focus on supports after the damages are done.”
“Trying to keep children who have to go into care within their families. For example, if a child goes into the system, KCS will call family members first to see if they are able to care for the child instead of sending them to a safe home outside of their family.”
KCSC continues to improve the quality and service excellence in all areas of the organization, and we wanted to know what the community recommends for us to continue to improve and grow.
Top 5 1 2 3 4 5
recommendations:
Blackfoot Language Classes
Traditional Parenting Classes
Funding for off-reserve
Cultural Classes
Access to Elders (including funding or payments to offer Elders)
Some parents added written responses that included:
• Gender and Generation Justice (MMIWG, Men Groups, Boys Groups, Impact of Intergenerational Trauma in the family systems/structures)
• Support Groups (for instance, for those who are aging out of care)
• Training for KCSC Staff (specific to gender and generational justice)
• Counselling (for everyone in the family unit – couples counselling, family counselling, etc.)
• Supports for parents registered with the Blood Tribe, but children registered elsewhere OR children who are registered with the Blood Tribe but parents are registered elsewhere
Reasons for Apprehension
As noted in our Blood Tribe Family Preservation Code Focus Groups, “Foster Parent” is not found in our Blackfoot language.
What title would you give a person caring for a child in protective custody?
CAREGIVER GUARDIAN PARENT AUNTIE/UNCLE
This term appeared consistently and was widely used in the data as a general alternative to “Foster Parent.“
Another frequently mentioned term that aligns with the responsibility of providing care and protection.
Aawakomii – Caring for Ask’ko’pii’mootsii –Advocate
“The child’s caregiver, or Aawakomii, provides a nurturing environment that upholds Blackfoot values of care and compassion.”
“As the guardian, or Esk’ko’pii’mootsii, they are responsible for advocating for the child’s needs while protecting their cultural identity.”
These familial terms appeared often, reflecting the relational and inclusive nature of Blackfoot values.
Na’aa (Mother) Ninnaa (Father)
“In Blackfoot tradition, a foster parent may simply be referred to as Na’aa (mother) or Ninnaa (father), acknowledging their role in raising the child as their own.”
This relational term was commonly suggested, demonstrating the importance of kinship and extended family roles in Blackfoot culture.
Niiksokowaiks – Family Closeness
“The child may call their caregiver Niiksokowaik’s Auntie or Niiksokowaik’s Uncle, reflecting the strong kinship ties and relational care within the Blackfoot community.”
Supports
We asked community members what supports are needed for Foster Parents, Kinship Care Providers, Children returning to their natural homes, and Parents whose children are returning back to their natural homes.
The responses we received highlight the wide range of supports that children, caregivers, and families need to thrive. Participants emphasized the importance of mental health services, access to Elders, financial assistance, and culturally grounded resources—such as orientation to Blood Tribe history and traditional parenting values. Whether for foster parents, kinship care providers, biological parents, or children themselves, common themes included the need for
support workers, community programs, transportation, housing, and basic needs like food and clothing.
These findings align with the goals of the Prevention and Support programs, which are designed to strengthen family units through proactive, culturally informed services. These programs offer parenting tools that blend modern and traditional approaches, advocate for families through collaboration with other agencies, and provide practical help such as transportation and assistance with vital documents. This holistic and inclusive approach ensures that all families—regardless of their circumstances—can access the tools and resources they need to build a healthy, resilient, and connected future for their children.
SUPPORTS FOR KINSHIP CARE PROVIDERS
SUPPORTS FOR FOSTER PARENTS
SUPPORTS FOR CHILD
Do you feel our community makes room for members connecting back to the Blood Tribe (from foster/sixties scoop)?
When asked whether the community makes space for members reconnecting to the Blood Tribe—such as those returning from the foster care system or the Sixties Scoop—many respondents highlighted both challenges and opportunities. A key theme was the need for stronger communication around citizenship, including clear explanations of rights, responsibilities, and the meaning of belonging to the Blood Tribe. Participants emphasized that stronger outreach and education would help returning members feel more welcomed and rooted.
SUPPORTS FOR THE PARENT
Another theme focused on the need for equity, diversity, and inclusion systems that support reconnecting members socially, culturally, and financially. Suggestions included offering postsecondary and training supports, and ensuring transparency around programs like per-capita distributions.
However, many also pointed to barriers such as exclusionary or territorial behaviours, including
judgment, nepotism, and reluctance to share cultural knowledge. Some shared that reconnecting members often feel unwelcome—especially if they are mixed race or didn’t grow up on the reserve. These responses call for a shift in mindset, emphasizing healing, generosity, and collective responsibility. Participants expressed a strong desire for programs and practices that foster openness, understanding, and real opportunities for reconnection to family, culture, and identity.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Bill C-92 and how does it help First Nations?
Bill C-92 is a Canadian law that says First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people have the right to run their own child and family services. It means:
1. We can make our own child welfare laws based on our culture and traditions.
2. All services must follow national rules that put the child’s best interests first, keep kids connected to their culture, and treat everyone fairly.
3. Our laws come first—once we have our own law and try to work with the province and federal government, our law will be followed before provincial ones.
What is the Blood Tribe doing for our children?
• The Blood Tribe currently exercises some authority over child protection through Alberta’s laws.
• Kainaiwa Children Services offers programs to help families before problems get worse.
• Even now, before we have our own law, the Blood Tribe must be told before any big decisions are made about a Blood Tribe child. This gives us a chance to speak up in court and help keep the child connected to their family and community.
Will our law be respected outside the Blood Tribe?
Yes. Once we pass our own law (called the Family Preservation Code) and try to work with the province and federal government, our law will take priority. That means others must follow our law first when making decisions about our children.
Why don’t all First Nations follow the same child welfare law?
Because every First Nation is different. We all have unique cultures and traditions, so each Nation can create a law that fits their own way of life.
What are the National Standards of Care for Indigenous children?
These are rules that everyone must follow when working with Indigenous children:
1. Best Interests of the Child – Look at the child’s full well-being, including their culture and family ties.
2. Cultural Continuity – Help kids stay connected to their language, culture, and community.
3. Fair Treatment – Make sure kids get equal access to services, and consider the challenges they face.
4. Prevention First – Help families before removing children. Offer support like housing help or addiction services.
5. Family and Community Involvement – Include extended family and community in decisions.
6. Transparency – Service providers must explain their decisions, especially if they remove a child.
How will Bill C-92 be used in our community?
We’re creating our own law—the Family Preservation Code—based on our values and traditions. It will guide how we care for our children and families.
How can I give feedback on the Family Preservation Code?
You can join community meetings and focus groups happening throughout the year. There’s also a survey where you can share your thoughts. Check the KCSC website or use the QR codes for more info.
What’s the status of the Family Preservation Code?
We expect to share the first draft in January 2026, and we’ll notify the provincial and federal governments by June 2026.
Next Steps
The Family Preservation Code (FPC) team is committed to incorporating community feedback into the development and implementation of the Code.
We are now ready to share the results of our community survey and collaborate with our partners to ensure the final draft of the legislation reflects the needs of the Blood Tribe. Your voice is essential to making sure the needs of our children, youth, and families remain at the heart of our services and decision-making.
We will be hosting community engagement events to present the survey results and gather further feedback. In addition to these public events, the FPC team will also hold information sessions for Blood Tribe departments and organizations to learn how the legislation can be integrated into their programs and service delivery.
