We, the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, will protect and promote our cultural and spiritual values. We will strive to live in harmony and respect the Creator and all creation. We will commit to our Isga beliefs and utilize every resource that the Creator has bestowed upon us to empower our people, spiritually, emotionally, physically and mentally.
To empower children and families to thrive by providing comprehensive, culturally grounded, and community-based services that promote healing, resilience, and overall well-being.
To build a healthier, stronger community by supporting children and families through education, mental health services, mentorship, crisis prevention, and cultural connection.
The Alexis Child and Family Well-Being Program offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support the health, safety, and development of Alexis children, youth, young adults, and families. Our program focuses on culturally relevant and community-based approaches, and works to ensure that Alexis families are empowered, supported, and able to thrive. Below is an overview of the key services provided under the program:
Band Designate refers to an individual chosen by Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation to represent and act on its behalf in specific matters, particularly those involving child and family services. The Band Designate plays a critical role in ensuring the rights and interests of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation are respected within the child welfare system. Their responsibilities may include acting as a liaison between the community and service providers, participating in legal proceedings, and ensuring that cultural, historical, and geographical considerations are addressed in the care of children and families.
The Band Designate also supports the development and monitoring of care plans, safety planning, and reunification efforts, ensuring that the services provided align with the needs of the community. They work to maintain meaningful connections for children and families, advocate for culturally relevant care, and help navigate the child and family services system.
First Nation On & Off-Reserve Representatives refers to individuals who are appointed to represent and advocate for the interests of Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation members, both on and off reserve. Their role is essential in ensuring that the needs of the community are addressed within the child and family services system, as well as other social and governmental systems.
This individual represents Alexis members living off-reserve, who may face different challenges and barriers to accessing services. They work to ensure that these individuals and families receive the same level of support and services as those on-reserve, addressing issues such as access to healthcare, education, and child and family services across provincial or territorial boundaries.
Both representatives play crucial roles in bridging the gap between Alexis and child and family service systems, ensuring that all members, regardless of where they live, have their needs met and their voices heard.
Prevention is part of a continuum of care aimed at supporting the safety and well-being of Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation children, youth, young adults, families, and community. Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation determines the prevention services based on our unique needs, circumstances, and cultural realities, ensuring that services are culturally appropriate and aligned with substantive equality.
Prevention and early intervention are key to improving long-term outcomes and reforming the First Nation Child & Family Program. Alexis is providing support and services and collaborating with delegated agencies to provide holistic support and services.
Prevention funding plays a critical role in community well-being and child safety, supporting families at all levels of risk. Prevention funding is supporting culturally relevant, community-based services aimed at addressing factors that place children and families at risk of child welfare involvement. Funding can cover both direct and indirect services.
Post Majority Programming focuses on providing support and resources to individuals once they reach the age of majority, which typically signifies adulthood (often 18 or 19 years old, depending on the jurisdiction). In the context of Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, this programming might assist young adults who are transitioning into independence and adulthood, helping them with life skills, education, employment, mental health, and other adult responsibilities. These programs aim to ease the challenges of this transition and provide continuity in support, particularly for those who may no longer be eligible for child or youth-focused services.
Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation Child and Family Wellbeing Program aims to address critical issues such as child abuse and neglect, family instability, and the need for long-term support systems. By focusing on prevention, family empowerment, and community engagement, this program seeks to provide holistic solutions that promote healthy child development and strong family systems. By investing in preventative services, we aim to build a foundation for lasting well-being, reduce future intervention costs, and create a safer, more resilient community.
The Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation Elders are the Knowledge Keepers of the language and history and provide direction, guidance and support to the staff and program. The Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation Child and Family Wellbeing Program was initially formed in the year 2023 by the authority of the Alexis Chief and Council to significantly reduce the number of children entering care. The department is governed and managed in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation.
Programming will involve elders and traditional knowledge keepers who share their wisdom, teachings, and guidance. These respected community members provide valuable insights into cultural practices, values, and ways of healing, enhancing the effectiveness and authenticity of the programs.
The Portfolio Holder plays a vital role in advocating for policies and practices that promote the wellbeing and safety of children and families, ensuring that every program under the department’s purview is working toward the same mission: to create a safe, supportive, and thriving environment for all families.
Through collaboration, leadership, and a commitment to service excellence, the Portfolio Holder ensures the Alexis Child and Family Wellbeing Department remains at the forefront of promoting positive outcomes for children and families in the community.
NOTICE: If you have concerns related to the safety of child, please contact the 24-hour Child Intervention Intake and Response Team (CIRT) at 1-800-638-0715.
If you have an open file with Alberta Children and Family Services and you need to speak with the assigned Child Intervention Practitioner (caseworker), please contact the Stony Plain North CFS office at (780) 963-9424.