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Chief Kinosew Awasak Mikiwahp (CKAM)

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Beginning October 9, 2026

Contact CKAM directly about the care and protection of DCN children

Chief Kinosêw Awasak Mîkiwâhp (CKAM) is entering Phase 2 of our transition to delivering child and family services under Driftpile Cree Nation’s own law, Mihtatakaw Sîpiy Awasak Wiyasiwêwin.

During this phase, CKAM will begin receiving reports and calls directly – including after-hours calls – concerning registered Driftpile Cree Nation children living in Driftpile and Edmonton.

If you are concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing, believe a child may need protection, or need information about CKAM services, please call:

WEEKDAYS · 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Main Office · Driftpile
(825) 233-0027
Sub-Office · Edmonton
(877) 571-9016

TOLL-FREE · AFTER HOURS
Evenings & weekends
1-877-736-0801
Option 1: Driftpile & Northern AB Option 2: Edmonton & Southern AB

If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first. Then contact CKAM.

During the transition, CIRT will keep supporting us and may still receive calls — but please contact CKAM directly. For a child who is not a registered DCN member or lives outside Driftpile or Edmonton, keep using your usual contact, such as Alberta’s Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-387-5437.

Awasak · Children

Our Children

Our Way

Since Time Immemorial

Welcome to Chief Kinosew Awasak Mikiwahp (CKAM), the Children’s Lodge of Driftpile Cree Nation. We support children, youth and families through services grounded in our law, culture and community.

The Act uses Awasis for a child and Awasak for children. Explore Cree terms in our law

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About CKAM

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Our Children

Our Way

Since Time Immemorial

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​.

View Press Release

Our Law – Mihtatakaw Sîpiy Awasak Wiyasiwêwin

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

Our Law – Mihtatakaw Sîpiy Awasak Wiyasiwêwin

Strengthening Driftpile Cree Nation’s Voice in Decisions Affecting Its Children in BC

Child & Family Services in British Columbia — DCN & MCFD Joint Communication

Driftpile Cree Nation (DCN) is working with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) to advance DCN’s inherent jurisdiction over the wellbeing of DCN children and families in British Columbia. This joint communication outlines key milestones achieved since June 2025, including a new Information Sharing Agreement, Section 12 Notice of Significant Measures, and ongoing relationship-building with senior MCFD leadership.

DCN-BC-Joint-Communication
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Exciting News for Driftpile Cree Nation Members!

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:

  • Our Chief Kinosew Awasak Mikiwahp (CKAM) – Chief Kinosew Children’s Lodge is getting ready to serve our children, youth, and families.
  • CKAM is recruiting staff to provide essential services to children, youth and families.
  • CKAM has purchased an office building in Edmonton to serve members in the city and in southern Alberta. CKAM will have a grand opening at the Edmonton sub-office in the coming weeks.
  • Prevention Services will officially begin on April 1, 2025 for all DCN members regardless of residency
  • CKAM is hiring staff and collaborating with Alberta Children and Family Services to transition open cases smoothly over the next 12 months.Until then, Alberta CFS will continue to provide services, with CKAM stepping in as needed.
  • This is a big step forward in reclaiming our jurisdiction and ensuring that our children are cared for in a way that reflects our values and traditions.


Have questions or need more information? Call (825) 233-0027.

Our Vision

Supporting strong,
connected families

CKAM was established by Driftpile Cree Nation to support children and families through services grounded in our law, culture and community.

Named in honour of Chief Kinosew, our Children’s Lodge carries forward a shared responsibility: helping children grow up connected to their families and Nation.

Our Story & History
A Historic Milestone

Self-Governance Over Child & Family Services

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

More Reviews

“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​

Key Highlights of the Agreement

$16.4M in annual funding to support CKAM operations

Additional facility funding for service delivery expansion

Wraparound services for all Driftpile members in Alberta

Inclusion of Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community in service delivery

View Press Release
Our Services

Support for children and families

Find information about family support, caregiving, youth services and advocacy.

01                                                                     

Family Preservation

Parenting support, traditional practices, referrals and family service planning.

02

Family Preservation — Intensive Services

Focused in-home support, counselling, safety planning and practical assistance.

03

Family and Community Supports

Cultural connections and help navigating housing, income supports and benefits.

04

Customary Care and Caregiver Support

Caregiving arrangements that maintain family and community connections.

05

Post-Majority Support

Practical support for independence, life skills, housing, education and wellbeing.

06

First Nation Band Representative Services

Advocacy for DCN children and families involved with child welfare systems.
Our Law

Our children. Our jurisdiction.
Our sacred responsibility.

Driftpile River Children’s Law

Learn about the principles, responsibilities and processes that guide our work.

Read the current Act

Appeal Tribunal

Learn which decisions can be appealed and how the independent Tribunal reviews concerns.

Learn about the appeal process

Stay Connected

Programs and Updates

Community Programs

Find opportunities for children, parents and caregivers to learn and connect.

Explore programming

DCN Families in BC

Read the approved communication on advocacy, information sharing and service planning.

Read the update

A Historic Milestone

Learn about CKAM’s history, the 2025 service agreement and the legacy of Chief Kinosew.

Read our history

Let us help you find the right support

Our reception team can connect you with the appropriate department.

Contact CKAM
Find your team
Our Services

Our Programs and Services

Family Preservation Program

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.

Join Us Now
Post-Majority Support Services (PMSS)

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.

Donate Now

Band Representative Services

Advocating for Our Children

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

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Join Us

Be Part of Our Vision

At CKAM Child and Family Services, we invite:

  • Families to seek support and access our programs
  • Youth & young adults to engage in our mentorship and post-majority services
  • Community members to participate in events and initiatives

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

PLAY SHORT VIDEO
Honouring Chief Kinosew: A Legacy of Leadership

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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Families First, Culture Always

CKAM believes that strong families are the foundation of a strong Nation, and we keep culture at the heart of everything we do.

Become A Volunteer
Report or confirm a DCN child in care

To report, confirm, or update information about a DCN child in your care:
Chief Kinosêw Awasak Mîkiwâhp (CKAM)
Phone: (825) 233-0027
Email: Laura Willier