Who are we?
N8WKIKA - FIRST NATIONS CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES
WHAT IS THE N8WKIKA PROGRAM?
The First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) of the Grand Conseil de la Nation Waban-Aki wishes to celebrate the W8banaki Nation and its roots by giving itself a name in the Abenaki language. This is why the social services for the families of Odanak and W8linak are called N8wkika (pronounced Naonwkéka) which means "to sow in the long term".
Working for the well-being of families means making a long-term commitment -sowing seeds-; accompanying and supporting several generations who want the best for their children.
Some Waban-Aki organizations also work to provide child and family services, including the CPE, the CPDA, the Band Council and the Health Center. All are important partners and share common goals, all offer complementary services. That's why the stakeholders involved are always working to coordinate actions in community to best meet the service needs of children, families and the community.
WHAT ARE THE SERVICES OFFERED TO CHILDREN AND THE FAMILY?
The main services deployed are front-line services, which may also be referred to as community-based prevention services from time to time. The community intervention that will be done gradually through this approach aims to create social and community conditions favorable to the full development of children, young people and families. In short, it is about providing services that will contribute to the social development of Odanak and Wôlinak, with the aim of promoting the safety and development of children.
ARE THERE ANY EXAMPLES OF PREVENTION SERVICES?
Examples of prevention services that have been offered to communities in the Abenaki Nation to date include:
- Access to front-line services and personalized follow-up (voluntary basis)
- Access to a family room in each community
- Groups of parents, support groups and diverse groups who have developed a particular project
- Training on various subjects (parenting skills, family budget management, educational or community activities, etc.)
- Activities or outings parents-children, grandparents-children, family
- Speaker visits chosen or suggested by the community
- Other suggestions and special requests from citizens or partner organizations.
"IT TAKES ALL A COMMUNITY TO RAISE A CHILD."
OUR TEAM

DENYS BERNARD
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE GCNWA

NIKITA ZEWSKI
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT AND DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

MICHEL THIBEAULT
SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR

LAURE TARDIF
FRONT-LINE SERVICES COORDINATOR

VALÉRIE LAFORCE
SCHOOL PROJECTS COORDINATOR

JENNY M'SADOQUES BENOIT
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT FOR SOCIAL SERVICES

NANCY CARIGNAN
CLINICAL COORDINATOR

AUDREY TRUDEL
COMMUNITY WORKER - CHILDHOOD, YOUTH, FAMILY

ROSALIE L. CAPISTRAN
COMMUNITY WORKER - CHILDHOOD, YOUTH, FAMILY

RAPHAËLLE O'BOMSAWIN
COMMUNITY WORKER - CHILDHOOD, YOUTH, FAMILY

MATHIEU LAFORCE
COMMUNITY ORGANIZER

SONIA FISET
COMMUNITY WORKER

MARC-OLIVIER O'BOMSAWIN
IN CHARGE OF "ESPACE JEUNESSE" - ODANAK

MEGAN HÉBERT-LEFEBVRE
CONTENT PRODUCTION OFFICER

SABRINA FORTIN
PIVOT OFFICER - ACT C-92

MATHIEU O'BOMSAWIN
COORDINATOR - NIONA PROJECT WITH PARTNERS OUTSIDE THE EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY
