First Nations Child & Family Caring Society Information Sheet
Press Release
About the Caring Society
A national non-profit organization based on unceded Algonquin territory in Ottawa, the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada (Caring Society) advocates for culturally based and intergenerational substantive equality for First Nations children, young people, and families. Using a reconciliation framework that addresses contemporary hardships facing First Nations families in ways that uplift all Canadians, the Caring Society provides public education, policy guidance, research, advocacy, and support to communities in ways that promote the safety and well-being of First Nations children and young people, so that they grow up safely with their families, be healthy, get a good education, celebrate their languages and cultures, and feel proud of who they are.
The Caring Society also creates opportunities for children and young people of all backgrounds to collaborate, think creatively about the future, and inspire one another to lead social change. In partnership with compassionate children, youth, educators, researchers, communities, and allied organizations across Canada and around the world, the Caring Society is building a movement where the landscape is one of honour and possibility for First Nations children and their families.
History
In the 1980s, First Nations established First Nations Child and Family Service (FNCFS) agencies to reassert jurisdiction over their children and deliver culturally appropriate child and family services. However, the lack of adequate funding and Canada’s flawed funding formula limited the ability of FNCFS agencies to provide culturally appropriate and equitable child and family services. To address these concerns and provide research, policy, professional development, and networking support, FNCFS agencies sought to
establish a national organization dedicated to this work. At a national meeting at the Squamish First Nation in 1998, delegates created the Caring Society, and at a second national meeting in Kingsclear First Nation in 1999, delegates approved the plan and elected an interim board of directors.
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