NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO – Tikinagan Child and Family Services will be holding two art contests open to youth from our 30 First Nations. One will have children of all ages draw themselves as a superhero and the other is Honouring Our Children Day Logo Design contest.
Honouring Our Children Day was first introduced in 2009, where the aim of the celebration was to honour the strength, bravery and resilience shown by children and youth facing the difficulties of living in the foster care system.
According to Tikinagan, “Honouring Our Children Day is also a celebration of our philosophy of care - Mamow Obiki-Ahwahsoowin, which means “everyone working together to raise our children.”
Tikinagan’s encouraging philosophy reflects the idea that no singular individual aids in the growth of a child, and that it takes a community to ensure the health and well-being of children. By working together, children will learn more about how to navigate the world around them.
Celebrating Honouring Our Children Day at the end of a productive school year further emphasizes Mamow Obiki-Ahwahsoowin as an acknowledgment of all the hard work and effort children take part in throughout the year.
“It is a time to remind our children that they are special, supported and cared for by their community,” said Tikinagan in their press release. “This day is an opportunity for our communities to come together to show our children that they are part of their circle of care.”
In addition, Tikinagan will also be launching their new youth advisory team: YouthKnow Team.
This team will be formed with youths from our 30 First Nations and will support Tikinagan by providing input about youth culture, social media, living in their communities, and even about Tikinagan.
“We want to engage, empower, and equip our First Nation youth by hearing their ideas, utilizing their skills, and challenging them as leaders,“ said Tikinagan
