Family & Children's Services of the Waterloo Region
200 Ardelt Ave. N2C2L9 Kitchener, ON, Canada

Congratulations to Wabaseemoong First Nation who have become the first Indigenous community to have their child welfare laws come into force. The First Nation becomes the first in the country to adopt their own laws, under the federal bill C-92, which was passed a year ago. Child welfare in the community was previously under provincial jurisdiction, as it is in all communities. This historic occasion is the result of much hard work, and we know it will make a difference to many children, youth and families. https://www.kenoraonline.com//feds-province-transfer-child

The events that unfolded this week in the US Capital were a clear display of white supremacy. Many of our staff and the families, children and youth we work with have been profoundly affected. We are not only horrified by those events, but are reminded that Black and Indigenous folks right here in Canada are dealing with racism and white supremacy in our systems as well. We reaffirm our commitment to anti-oppressive practice and ending the racism that results in Black and Indigenous children being over-represented in our Agency work.

The need is critical for foster homes in Waterloo Region.

Wishing all families celebrating the start of Hanukkah tonight 8 days and nights filled with light and happiness.

Family and Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region wishes Happy Diwali to our Hindu community members. We acknowledge Diwali as a festival of lights which carries the ancient cultural and spiritual wisdom of victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. We recognize that this spiritual message of the Diwali festival aligns metaphorically with our anti-oppressive framework as we attempt to address the internalized and external oppression and injustices by creating a nourishing community for our collective wellbeing. We acknowledge that the festivities of Diwali coincide with the celebration of the Liberation of Mahavir for the Jain community, Bandi Chor Divas for the Sikh community and celebration of Goddess Kali for the Newar Bhuddist community.

Thank you @akiabso for coming out to teach our Indigenous Pride group how to make traditional hand drums. These activities are essential in connecting Indigenous children and youth to culture and spirit.

Today we reflect on the tremendous sacrifice made by generations past and present. They shall not grow old#RemembranceDay #LestWeForget

Today is National Aboriginal Veterans Day. A day to recognize the contribution Indigenous Peoples made to military services in particular WW1, WW2, and the Korean War. #NationalAboriginalVeteransDay

There is still time to register for our next foster info night!