National, regional leaders celebrate Honouring Our Children Day with Tikinagan Child & Family Services

Jesse Bonello - Staff Writer

National and regional leadership, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Kenora Riding MP Eric Melillo, Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa, and Sioux Lookout Mayor Doug Lawrance, celebrated Tikinagan Child & Family Services’ annual Honouring Our Children Day on June 24.

Tikinagan Child & Family Services has been celebrating Honouring Our Children Day since 2010, with celebrations taking place throughout the summer in each of the 30 First Nations communities the agency serves.

This year Tikinagan Child & Family Services released a four-minute video to share the importance of celebrating children, especially during challenging times due to COVID-19.

“On Wednesday, June 24, our country will celebrate with Tikinagan Child & Family Services on their annual Honouring Our Children Day… Our world is looking a little different right now, and making children feel special at a time like this takes a community effort,” said Trudeau in the video.

Along with Trudeau, the video included representation from Sandy Lake First Nation Chief and Council, Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald, Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, Sioux Lookout Mayor Doug Lawrance, City of Thunder Bay Mayor Bill Mauro, Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies CEO Nicole Bonnie, Association of Native Child and Family Services Agencies of Ontario Elder in Residence Danette Restoule, Kenora MP Eric Melillo, Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa, Former Indigenous NHLer Jason Simon, and Tikinagan staff.

“We are beyond honoured to have Mr. Trudeau, the Chiefs, and these leaders celebrating with each (of) our 30 First Nation communities and honouring the children and youth with a positive message,” said Thelma Morris, Executive Director of Tikinagan. “This is done in the true spirit of our service model Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin, which means “everyone working together to raise our children. The messages are just one way we can celebrate what this day means to our children, families, communities, and staff.”

To see the full video, along with individual messages from leaders and representatives involved, click here.