Cultural Coordinator

Weechi-it-te-win Family Services subscribes to a cultural competence model of service delivery. This model affirms the vitality and validity of Anishinaabe culture in caring for children and in providing child welfare and children’s mental health services. As an Agency committed to the principles of cultural competence, Weechi-it-te-win respects the cultural values and traditions of its clients and endeavors to access cultural resources to assist individuals and families. As more of our people rediscover their heritage and as the Anishinaabe culture continues to revitalize, there is a growing expectation that cultural healing services must be integral to Weechi-it-te-win Family Services and be as accessible as those contemporary healing methods that presently predominate.

Weechi-it-te-win recognizes that the Anishinaabe people exist in a bicultural environment and that cultural change processes have impacted most areas of our lives and relationships. In our efforts to provide culturally competent services, we have had to take account of the influences of the larger society and the extent of acculturation among our people. Elders and Native Healers are sought out to help people deal with problems and to find balance in their lives. Traditional gatherings and ceremonies remain important supports that allow individuals to heal themselves and experience a sense of belonging and identity within their culture and community.