Child and Family Services in Tallcree focuses on the safety, well-being, and cultural connection of children, youth, and families. The department works within the framework of the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program, which provides culturally appropriate prevention, early intervention, and legislated protection services for First Nations families.
The department ensures that Tallcree children remain connected to their culture, language, family, and community. A core value guiding this work is keeping Tallcree children home on reserve and within their culture whenever possible.
Child and Family Services also includes First Nation Representative Services (Band Designate), which support Tallcree members when they are involved in, or at risk of involvement in, the child welfare system.
The First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program provides prevention and protection services that support the well-being of First Nations children and families living on reserve. The program ensures that children, youth, and families receive culturally appropriate prevention, early intervention, and legislated protection services, including least-disruptive measures that keep families connected and safe.
The program also requires that all protection services follow provincial legislation and standards, and since January 1, 2020, service providers must comply with the national principles and minimum standards set out in An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.
Tallcree’s Child & Family Services Prevention Programming is based at the Tallcree Band Office in North Tallcree, where staff deliver services rooted in cultural values and community connection.
A core guiding value is keeping Tallcree children home on reserve and within their culture wherever possible.
Tallcree’s Family and Child Services department supports the safety, well-being, and long-term stability of children, youth, and families while advancing the goals of the FNCFS Program and ongoing reform of child and family services for First Nations communities.
Supporting Families and ChildrenThe department works with provincial authorities, the North Peace Tribal Council (NPTC), and other agencies to support Tallcree children, youth, young adults, and families involved, or at risk of involvement, with the child and family services system. Through the Band Designate role, the department helps ensure community members’ rights and voices are respected throughout the process.
While the team does not conduct investigations or make placement decisions, they assist NPTC in locating families and identifying potential placements for children. They also provide support and culturally grounded advocacy to families navigating child protection concerns.
Programs that maintain cultural and linguistic connections
Post-Majority Support Services
The department supports youth aging out of care and young adults formerly in care, up to age 26 or as defined by provincial legislation, helping them transition into adulthood with stability and connection.
Cultural and Community-Based ProgramsTallcree offers cultural and wellness-based programming that strengthens families and builds community resilience, including:
First Nation Representative Services help ensure Tallcree children and families are treated with respect and that their rights, culture, and community connections are upheld.
When a child becomes involved in a child protection matter, the Band Designate supports the child and family by helping protect cultural identity, language, and ties to the Nation. They work closely with families, encourage their involvement in planning and decision-making, and help identify culturally appropriate options. Whenever possible, they advocate for children to remain with extended family or within the community.
Investigations and placement decisions remain the responsibility of the North Peace Tribal Council. The Band Designate advocates for kinship placements, participates in planning and court processes, and supports positive outcomes for children and families.
Our work is guided by Cree teachings that honour love, kinship, identity, and the sacredness of children.
We respect the wisdom of Elders and ancestral knowledge and believe in shared responsibility for the care of children and families. Connection to land, language, and community belonging are central to wellbeing.
This work is part of a broader healing journey that supports cultural parenting practices, strengthens identity, and helps ensure future generations remain connected to their roots.
Programs are built around culture, community strengths, and holistic wellness. Activities may include family-based programs, cultural and land-based activities, wellness and skill-building workshops, healing supports, and community gatherings.
Programs may take place in shared community spaces or outdoors, depending on the activity, and are offered in both North and South Tallcree.
Program delivery is a shared effort across Tallcree Tribal Government departments, including Health, Education, Social Development, and Child and Family Services Prevention.
Children may be placed outside the community due to immediate safety concerns, limited housing or caregiver options, or the need for specialized supports that are not available locally. Every effort is made to maintain family, cultural, and community connections.
At this time, Tallcree does not have formally approved foster homes or safe homes under provincial or delegated First Nation standards. Tallcree continues to work to expand kinship and community-based care options so that children can remain closer to family, culture, and community.
Families are supported through Tallcree’s First Nation Representative Services and the CFS Prevention Team. They help families understand the process, participate in planning, protect cultural identity, and advocate for safe, culturally appropriate options for children.
Tallcree’s role is to support, advocate, and protect cultural connection, while investigations and legal decisions remain the responsibility of the delegated or provincial agency.
Community members play an important role in keeping Tallcree children connected to family, culture, and community. There are several ways people can help, even if they are not able to provide full‑time care.
