b'CWSDFSINSChild Welfare and Social Development DepartmentAn introduction to the CWSD teamTHE FEDERATION OF SOVEREIGNFirst Nation) on Treaty 4 Territory.Karen Pelletier, from Keeseekoose Indigenous Nations (FSIN) ChildFSIN is the first [organization] inFirst Nation, became the new Director Welfare and Social DevelopmentCanada to negotiate and establishof Child Welfare Social Development (CWSD) department has beena five-year Social Developmentin September 2021. Karen oversees undergoing some exciting changes andbilateral agreement with Indigenousthe Child Welfare Social Development upgrades, including the creation of twoServices Canada, said Kyle. Imstaff, and her position works directly newpositions.very proud and thankful to Firstwith the Technical Advisory Group Vice Chief David Pratt and our(TAG) on child welfare, the Transition There has been movement in long- HSDS senior management teamand Implementation Committee term reform of On-Reserve Incomefor this accomplishment. Now, our(TIC), and the Health and Social Assistance, Homelessness, DisabilitiesSocial Development team can assistDevelopment Commission (HSDC). and the First Nations Social Safetyour communities in creating a First Net. Relationship building continuesNations Social Safety Net through aThe FSINs two new senior researchers with local, provincial and nationalsocial reform approach. are Diana Collard, from Treaty 6 organizations such as the AssemblyTerritory, and Isadore Wichihin, of First Nations (AFN), IndigenousHowie Desnomie, a longtime FSINfrom Sturgeon Lake First Nation. Services of Canada (ISC), Ministry ofemployee from Peepeekisis First Nation,Diana is the Senior Researcher Policy Social Services (MSS) and with Firstis now in an exciting new position:Analyst, Intergovernmental Affairs. Nations and Agency, Grand and TribalDirector of Culture and Traditions.She provides technical support by Councils to ensure that First NationsIn this position, Howie is our bridgedesigning structures, systems or have representation for First Nationsto First Nation Knowledge Keepersprocesses that promote and aid the both on and off reserve. and ceremonial persons. He providesformulation, coordination, integration cultural assistance to Health and Socialand implementation of the Child Social Development is establishing theDevelopment and all other FSINWelfare program. Her position will Regional Social Development Advisorydepartments. Cultural support isdevelop any legislation or policy as Group (RSDAG) and terms of reference.needed in all First Nation organizations,required by the HSDC.The RSDAG will offer expertise in thesaid Howie. It provides First Nations long-term reform process and will bepeople with a connection to traditionsIsadore is the Senior Researcher Policy comprised of elected representatives,and identity, which is an invaluableAnalyst, Social Development, covering experts and First Nations Incomecomponent of mental health.the areas of income assistance, Assistance Supervisors. The RSDAG will oversee the guidance process to long-term reform in the areas of Income Assistance, Disabilities, Social Development and Children in Customary Care living on and offreserve. Research in defining Social Economies in the First Nation worldview is starting to gain a better understanding of the financial impact on First Nations both on and off reserve. This department is constantly working with the people of our 74 member First Nations, and its important to the FSIN that our Nations know who is here to help them.From left to right: Howie Desnomie, Karen Pelletier, Crystal George, Kyle Prettyshield, Isadore Wichihin, Kyle Prettyshield, Executive DirectorPauline Cuthand, Winnie Eagle-Ironside, summer for the Health and Social Developmentstudent Jordan Nighttraveller, Diana Collard.Secretariat (HSDS), is a member ofNot pictured: Eva-Marie Lerat and Joan Cote.Ceg-A-Kin (Carry the Kettle Nakota 34OUR PRIORITY Issue 12021/22'