Seven Sacred Teachings
1. Respect
Kunuwanimano
is rooted in the fundamental value of respect. We acknowledge
that to show respect entails the obligation to share and give of
ourselves in the provision of services.
In
our work, we will demonstrate respect for children, youth, families,
communities, staff, care providers, Elders and the traditions and
culture.
This respect is
demonstrated through effective listening, clear communication, a
non-judgemental attitude and recognition of cultural diversity and the
unique strengths of others. It is demonstrated by a shared commitment
to safeguard the rights and dignity of those we serve.
2. Humility
Kunwanimano
understands this value to mean that we must always be ready to
acknowledge our limitations and to be mindful of the equality of all
peoples and to never abuse our authority. We strive to place the needs
of children, youth and families and communities ahead of our own and we
will provide needed services to our First Nations.
3. Honesty
Our
respect for the children, youth, families and communities we serve is
reflected in our commitment to honesty. We are committed to be truthful
in our interactions with others, to be open and direct in our
communications. We will follow through on our commitments. We will
listen and we will hear what our children, youth, families and
communities say and we will incorporate their views in the planning for
services.
4. Courage
Courage
involves demonstrating we have the emotional and moral strength to do
what is right. We honor the capacity of the First Nations who
display courage in the face of difficult situations that have
threatened their traditions, culture and language. We accept our
responsibility to help empower the communities we serve and to support
and meet their needs in ways that will facilitate the growth and
development of children, youth, families and communities.
5. Love
First
Nations people express love for the Creator and all of creation.
There is a special obligation to protect and love children who are
gifts from the Creator. Kunuwanimano knows that each of us must
experience love and caring. This all important value obliges us to show
kindness and compassion in our dealings with others and to work toward
a state of harmony in all areas of life.
6. Wisdom
We
recognize that everyone is endowed with gifts that can be used to build
peaceful and healthy families and communities. We understand that
wisdom is earned by taking time to reflect on everything we experience
and recognize that life constantly presents us with opportunities to
acquire new perspectives, insights and skills as we interact with our
colleagues, children, youth families, communities’, teachers, and
Elders. We recognise that everyone needs compassion and support to grow
and to learn new ways of managing issues and concerns.
7. Truth
Living
the truth is living the Seven Sacred Teachings, living from the heart.
Kunuwanimano will be truthful in their interactions with children,
youth, families and communities.
Role of Elders
Our
Elders carry the history of our communities and the roots of our
culture. They provide us with wisdom, guidance, direction and
encouragement. They teach us about respect, trust, honesty, love,
humility, courage and truth. We hold the Elders in high regard and will
approach them for help, advice and support as we provide services to
children, youth, families and communities.
Importance of Language
Language
is the keystone to cultural identity and to the preservation of
culture. Kunuwanimano strives to communicate whenever possible
using our First Nations languages, both verbally and in written
materials with the children, youth, families and communities we serve.
Culture
Kunuwanimano
is committed to providing services that is respectful of the cultural
heritage and traditions of the First Nations. We recognize that each
First Nation community is unique and our service model will respect
those differences.
Customary Care
We
are respectful of traditional customary practices of caring for
children and we will uphold the traditional customs in how we organize
and deliver child welfare, prevention, and support services. We will
develop a model of Customary Care to preserve family unity and build
upon the vision of a shared community responsibility of caring for and
raising healthy children
Holistic Service Paradigm
Aboriginal
culture is rotted in an understanding of the integral connection of
body, mind, heart and spirit. Holistic practice flows from this
foundation of understanding. Kunuwanimano is committed to provide
services from within a holistic service paradigm that integrates this
knowledge. We will provide services that are strength based,
optimistic, affirming and empowering for children, youth, families and
communities with participatory decision making involving families,
extended family, Elders and the community.
Diversity and Bi-Cultural Practice
Kunuwanimano
recognizes the diversity among First Nations and we understand each is
unique, with different strengths, needs, resources and
aspirations. Our service model will be designed to respect these
differences and to promote First Nations responsibility and
participation in decisions affecting their children and youth.
While
some people within the different communities choose to embrace
Aboriginal spiritual practices, others have chosen to follow Christian
traditions. Others still, choose not to follow any one spiritual
path.
Different
traditions have different approaches to healing, counselling, and
treatment. Bi-cultural practice means Kunuwanimano will respect and
access traditional Aboriginal healing ceremonies and practices, as well
as mainstream assessment and treatment, depending on the needs and
desires of the children, youth, and families we serve.
Repatriation
Kunuwanimano’s
board of director’s wishes to be proactive in partnership with the
First Nations in developing a model to repatriate children and youth
lost to the communities through adoption or permanent long term care in
the Child Welfare system. The intent is to help strengthen the
communities and begin to heal the wounds from the past.
Kunuwanimano
is committed to assist in the development of a repatriation treatment
and support service model in partnership with the communities.
Reclamation
First
Nations reclamation of responsibility for ensuring the safety and
well-being of children, youth and families is supported by Kunuwanimano.
In
our interventions we are committed to providing services from a “best
practice approach” and we will engage children, youth, families and
communities in the intervention process. Such an empowering process
will ensure child safety and well-being is sustained.
We
will work in collaboration with the communities to develop the
resources and supports to redress child maltreatment through a
collaborative process and by sharing with communities when we are aware
of “promising practices” in other First Nations.
Early Intervention, Prevention, Treatment and Support Programs
Kunuwanimano
is committed to providing early intervention, treatment and support
services to communities to prevent child maltreatment, and to
strengthen and support family functioning.
Kunuwanimano
is committed to assessing the needs in the communities and advocating
for the resources to deliver needed services.
