Province and Innu Working Together to Benefit Innu Children, Youth and Families

Meetings in Natuashish and Sheshatshiu Focus on Strengthening Child, Youth and Family Service Delivery

During a visit to Labrador last week, the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services, and the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, met with Innu leaders, Band Council representatives, elders and other community members to discuss the delivery of child, youth and family services in Natuashish and Sheshatshiu.

“Our government recognizes the importance of continuing to work side by side with Innu leaders to create positive change in Natuashish and Sheshatshiu. We will continue to focus on enhancing the lines of communication with the Innu leadership and membership, as well as working closely with Innu families where needed to help strengthen family units.”
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services

Discussions held this week centred around enhancing the collaboration and cooperation of the delivery of child, youth and family services and programs in Innu communities. There was also a focus on the importance of Innu leaders and families working closely with the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services and other partners to develop innovative approaches that are family-focused.

“These meetings demonstrate that our government’s relationship with the Innu continues to improve due to enhanced understanding and building upon such successes as the New Dawn Agreements, the Child Youth and Family Services’ Planning Circle, and the transition of Innu schooling from provincial to Innu control. This cooperation is crucial to building communities that promote the proud cultural heritage of the Innu, and providing an environment conducive to the realization of Innu dreams and aspirations.”
- The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs

Keith Russell, MHA for Lake Melville, also had the opportunity to participate in the meeting held in Sheshatshiu.

“I am pleased to have witnessed a commitment to communications and relationship building between the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services and the Innu communities of Labrador, one of listening, understanding and mutual respect. I commend Minister Davis on fulfilling his promise of coming to Labrador and meeting the leaders and elders of the Innu communities.”
- Keith Russell, MHA for Lake Melville

During both meetings, Prote Poker, Grand Chief of the Innu Nation, stressed the importance of improving service delivery within the communities of Natuashish and Sheshatshiu for not only Innu children and youth, but for the families as well. The Deputy Grand Chief of the Innu Nation, Jeremy Andrew, attended the meeting that was held in Sheshatshiu.

“We look forward to building upon our working relationship with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador as we continue to enhance and improve the lives of our members − children, youth and families of Natuashish and Sheshatshiu.”
- Prote Poker, Grand Chief of the Innu Nation

During the meeting held in Natuashish, Chief of the Mushuau Innu First Nation Gregory Rich indicated the Provincial Government’s new fly in-fly out model is working well as there is an increased and consistent presence of frontline social workers in the community that provides more interaction with families.

“In just a short period of time, we are already seeing the positive impact that the newly implemented fly in-fly out model in Natuashish is having on our community and we are encouraged to see the ongoing success of this new initiative.”
- Gregory Rich, Chief of the Mushuau Innu First Nation

During the meeting held in Sheshatshiu, Andrew Penashue, Chief of the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation, suggested that ongoing meetings between the Innu communities and the Provincial Government would be beneficial for their members as it would provide Innu leaders, elders and families with the opportunity to share their experiences and suggestions related to child, youth and family services and programs delivered in Sheshatshiu and Natuashish. 

“Let’s continue to work together seriously and come together for regular meetings so we can gain a better understanding of one another − the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Innu Nations − as well as provide the opportunity to have our community concerns heard by the Provincial Government.”
- Andrew Penashue, Chief of the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• Two separate meetings were recently held in the Innu communities of Natuashish and Sheshatshiu to discuss the coordination and delivery of child, youth and family services and programs for Innu children, youth and their families.
• The Provincial Government has made significant efforts to improve service delivery in Labrador, in particular in the community of Natuashish with the implementation of its new fly in-fly out model.
• In order to provide more supports and consistency on the ground for the children, youth and families of Natuashish, the new fly in-fly out model is in addition to permanent staff already located in the community and comprises two separate fly in teams.
• Each fly in team has one clinical supervisor and two social workers that go to Natuashish for a two-week period on a rotational basis and work 12-hour shifts each day.
• The Department of Child, Youth and Family Services’ office located in Sheshatshiu now has a full complement of social work staff working within the community.

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2014 02 11                                        4:10 p.m.