A Letter from Arnold Fox-Executive Director

Dear Members,

When Kw'umut Lelum opened its doors in 1994, there were many children from the nine nations in care, supervised by the Ministry of Children and Family Development. The majority were placed in non-native families, some distance from their communities. Often there was little contact with their families or connection to their communities. As we know, this meant many of the children became permanently lost to the community, and grew up without the benefit of their culture to guide them. This loss of connection with the children also has a negative imact on their families and the communities.

Now the situation is much improved. We have sixty children in our care, twenty-seven with Native families located in or near the communities. When a family issue arises, our social workers help the Ministry to identify resources and determine the action to be taken. The actions that are now taken are better for the children, the families and the communities. Soon, we will have full authority and will be responsible for all aspects of caring for children and families in crisis. It has been much hard work for many people, but I believe the nine nations are proud of what has been achieved.

To complete the task of taking back responsibility for the children and families, Kw'umut Lelum needs broad support in each community. For Kw'umut Lelum to make a difference, we need people who can be the first to step in to help a family in crisis. They may be family, neighbours or community leaders. Kw'umut Lelum also needs public health and education specialists. It is especially important that the spiritual leaders be involved.  Kw'umut Lelum plans to establish Community Care Committees in each community, made up of the people who are ready to step in and help. We also want to have well prepared foster parents and foster homes, in each community, who are ready to recieve children and youth at risk. Kw'umut Lelum plans to establish in some communities "safe" and/or "group homes" where children and families can go if need arises.

With theses supports in place Kw'umut Lelum will be able to deliver the best possible supports to children, families and the communities. But you can see these support sytems rely upon excellent relations with community members, and- nuts'umat (working together with one mind) with the communities.

Kw'umut Lelum is already working to reduce the number of family crises through a number of prevention programs. The Youth Life Skills program has provided youth in care with activities and information that encourage cultural practices, personal development, and building skills for independent living.