Tikinagan Child & Family Services Launches Noodawishinaam Oshkiniigiwag, “Hear Us Youth” 

Tikinagan Child & Family Services - Special to The Bulletin

Children and youth are the future of our communities and Tikinagan Child and Family Services is committed to ensuring all children and youth are able to have their voice heard. In keeping with this vision, Tikinagan is thrilled to announce the formal launch of Noodawishinaam Oshkiniigiwag (Hear Us Youth). 
Noodawishinaam Oshkiniigiwag is a like-minded collective of Indigenous youth from Tikinagan’s 30 First Nation Communities, many who are currently or formally in care. Tikinagan’s service model Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin, “Everyone working together to raise our children,” honours the unique set of knowledge and experiences children and youth hold. Noodawishinaam Oshkiniigiwag’s vision is to be the voice of children and youth in care across Tikinagan’s 30 First Nation Communities and they are committed to making a difference through their 9 values: Leadership, Mobilization, Inspiration, Opportunities & Experience, Mentorship, Being Heard, Advocating, Safe Spaces, and Skill Development. 
“I’ve been there, I know what it’s like growing up in care and I want to be able to support other children and youth who are going through similar experiences,” said Kris Moore, Noodawishinaam Oshkiniigiwag Member from Fort Severn First Nation. 
Moore joined Noodawishinaam Oshkiniigiwag in the spring 2024 after hearing about the team through her Neegaan Inabin worker. Neegaan Inabin is a transitional program at Tikinagan for youth aging out of care and young adults formerly in care. Through the program, Moore has been able to receive the support she needs to build a healthy future and work towards her goals, including building a voice for children and youth across the North. 
“Being part of a team that’s able to give children and youth a voice is so important, and my goal is to make sure they always feel heard,” said Moore, now living in Thunder Bay. 
Tikinagan values the voice of their youth, which is why Noodawishinaam Oshkiniigiwag was awarded the Oneesh Tamkey award at Tikinagan’s Annual Chief Assembly. The award recognized the team for having made a valuable contribution to Tikinagan’s development and direction. 
Today, the team consists of seven motivated young individuals from six First Nation communities. The goal is to have one youth represented from each of Tikinagan’s 30 First Nations.
The team meets in-person every two months, along with attending additional in-person conferences and online meetings. In their most recent meetup in December 2024, the team traveled to Toronto to attend the Association of Native Child and Family Services Agencies of Ontario’s (ANCFSAO) Annual Indigenous Child & Family Well-Being Conference. The two-day conference provided learning from Indigenous professionals, Elders, and other youth committed to making a difference in child and family well-being. 
Moore: “I was taking in a lot of the lessons, stories and wisdom, especially from the Elders. Elders have faith in the youth to make good change for the future.” 
Start the change now! If you or a youth you know is interested in joining the team, go to www.Tikinagan/Hear-Us-Youth to apply and learn more. If you have questions, want to know more about the team, or want to share your thoughts and experiences, email [email protected].