Welcome to the Chief Kinosew Awasak Mikwahp (CKAM) Child and Family Services Program of Driftpile Cree Nation. We are committed to nurturing strong, resilient families through holistic, culturally grounded services that empower children, youth, and families.
On February 27, 2025, Driftpile Cree Nation made history by signing a Service Delivery Agreement with Canada, reaffirming our inherent right to govern our own child and family services under Mihtatakaw Sîpiy Awasak Wiyasiwêwin (Driftpile River Children’s Law).
With the full support of DCN Chief and Council, Elders, and community members, CKAM represents a bold step toward self-determination. Over the next four years, Canada will provide $28.7 million annually, with additional funding for facilities, ensuring the delivery of holistic, wraparound prevention, protection, and post-majority support services for over 3,237 members in Driftpile and across Alberta.
“Family is at the heart of Driftpile Cree Nation. We embrace and endorse our journey to implementing Mihtatakaw Sîpiy Awasak Wiyasiwêwin and asserting our inherent rights respecting our children, youth, and families in a profound way.”
— Chief Dwayne Laboucan, Driftpile Cree Nation.
Our Children – Our Jurisdiction – Our Sacred Responsibility
On March 17, 2025, Driftpile Cree Nation made history by enacting its own child and family services law:
Mihtatakaw Sîpiy Awasak Wiyasiwêwin — also known as the Driftpile River Children’s Law.
This powerful and historic law reclaims our Nation’s full authority over how we care for our children and families. It affirms our inherent right to self-government, grounded in Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
This is more than legislation — it is a statement of sovereignty, a return to our roots, and a promise to protect our children in ways that reflect who we are as a people.
What This Law Means for Our Nation
✅ Driftpile Cree Nation now leads and delivers all child and family services through our own laws, values, and processes
✅ CKAM (Chief Kinosêw Awasak Mîkiwâhp) is the official agency delivering services under this law
✅ Services prioritize prevention first, keeping families together and culturally connected
✅ All decisions around child protection, placement, and support are now made by Driftpile Cree Nation for Driftpile Cree Nation
✅ Children will grow up in environments that respect their culture, language, and family ties
Why It Matters
Mihtatakaw Sîpiy Awasak Wiyasiwêwin is a declaration of Indigenous sovereignty, family preservation, and cultural survival.
It ensures that our children will no longer be lost to outside systems—instead, they are held in the embrace of their community, their teachings, and their ancestors.
“This law is how we protect the future. It’s how we remember who we are—and how we make sure our children grow up never having to question it.”
— Elder, Driftpile Cree Nation
We are thrilled to share that Driftpile Cree Nation has signed a historic agreement with the Government of Canada to support our children and families. Our Mihtatakaw Sipiy Awasak Wiyasiwewin (Driftpile River Children’s Law) will come into effect on March 17, 2025 in Alberta.
Implications for our Nation:
Have questions or need more information? Call (825) 233-0027.
To create a safe, healthy, and caring community where our children grow up connected to their families, culture, and traditions. CKAM is committed to:
Driftpile Cree Nation’s Service Delivery Agreement with Canada marks a landmark achievement in self-governance. As of March 17, 2025, CKAM will officially implement Mihtatakaw Sîpiy Awasak Wiyasiwêwin, ensuring that our child and family services are designed by us, for us
“Today’s signing affirms what Driftpile Cree Nation has always known – our children thrive best when cared for by their own community, through systems rooted in ancestral wisdom and collective identity.”
— Hon. Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services
Strengthening Families, Preventing Family Separation
We provide short-term, accessible, and impactful services that help families recognize and build upon their strengths. Our priority is to keep families united while ensuring every child is nurtured in a safe and loving environment.
✅ Workshops & Parenting Support – Strengthening family bonds and building life skills
✅ Referrals to Support Services – Personalized connections to health, education, and social services
✅ Traditional Parenting Practices – Reviving and teaching ancestral parenting methods
✅ Advocacy – Supporting families in navigating child welfare and social systems
✅ Culturally-Based Programs – Language revitalization, ceremonies, and land-based teachings
✅ Mentorship – Connecting families with trusted community members for support
✅ Community Involvement – Encouraging participation in cultural and social events
✅ Family Service Planning – Tailored support plans that reflect each family’s unique needs
🔹 Eligibility:
Must be a Driftpile Cree Nation member or resident
Participation is voluntary and requires consent
Open to families, community members, and Elders
All Family Preservation programs and services are confidential.
Supporting Young Adults on Their Path to Independence
For young adults transitioning out of care, CKAM’s Post Majority Support Services (PMSS) offers essential supports to build independence while staying connected to culture and community.
✅ Housing Support & Rent Assistance – Securing stable accommodations
✅ Financial Planning & Needs-Based Support – Budgeting, saving, and emergency financial aid
✅ Education & Training Support – Tuition, certification, and career development funding
✅ Mental Health & Wellness Services – Trauma-informed care and counseling
✅ Recreation & Cultural Engagement – Participation in traditional ceremonies and community programs
✅ Life Skills Training – Financial literacy, cooking, and self-care workshops
🔹 Eligibility:
Registered DCN members, formerly in care
Young adults ages 15-26
Residing on-reserve or affiliated with Driftpile Cree Nation
PMSS is a voluntary program – CKAM is here to listen, support, and guide.
Ensuring the Rights & Well-Being of Driftpile Cree Nation’s Children
Band Representative Services, plays a critical role in:
Advocacy – Representing children’s and families’ interests in child welfare decisions
Court Proceedings – Ensuring cultural perspectives are upheld in legal matters
Education & Awareness – Raising awareness about Indigenous-led services
Collaboration with Social Workers – Connecting families with traditional parenting supports
Cultural Resource Development – Engaging Elders and Knowledge Keepers in child welfare decisions
At CKAM Child and Family Services, we invite:
Need support? Want to get involved?
Reach out to us—our doors are open, and we are here to help!
Together, we are building a future where every child, family, and young adult thrives—connected to their culture, empowered in their journey, and supported by their community
Chief Kinosew, also known as Kinoosayo, was a respected Cree leader from the Lesser Slave Lake region in Alberta. He played a significant role in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, advocating for the rights and well-being of his people. Chief Kinosew was the younger brother of Moostoos (“The Buffalo”), a headman of the Sucker Creek First Nation, and together they represented their community during the crucial Treaty 8 negotiations in 1899 at Willow Point on Lesser Slave Lake.
Chief Kinosew’s contributions to his people were rooted in his commitment to cultural preservation, leadership, and the resilience of the Cree Nation. While historical records may focus more on Moostoos, Chief Kinosew’s role in fostering community strength and advocating for Indigenous rights remains an important part of our heritage.
The Chief Kinosew Awasak Mikwahp (CKAM) Child and Family Service Program was established within the Driftpile Cree Nation to honour his legacy. CKAM is dedicated to supporting families and youth through culturally relevant programs and services that empower our community. Inspired by the leadership and vision of Chief Kinosew, we strive to create a nurturing environment that upholds our traditions while ensuring a strong future for generations to come.
Through CKAM, we celebrate the wisdom and resilience of our ancestors, carrying forward Chief Kinosew’s spirit of unity, leadership, and cultural pride. We invite our community members to learn more, engage with our programs, and join us in preserving the values that define who we are as a people.
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CKAM believes that strong families are the foundation of a strong Nation, and we keep culture at the heart of everything we do.
