About CKAM
About CKAM
Our story begins with our children.
Chief Kinosew Children’s Lodge was established by Driftpile Cree Nation to support our children and families through services grounded in the Nation’s laws, values and traditions
Our history
Our responsibility Our community
Chief Kinosêw Awasak Mîkiwâhp (CKAM), Chief Kinosew Children’s Lodge, was established by Driftpile Cree Nation to support our children and families through services grounded in the Nation’s laws, values and traditions.
CKAM’s development reflects the Nation’s commitment to directing its own child and family services, with family relationships, cultural identity and community connections at the centre of that work.
On February 27, 2025, Driftpile Cree Nation signed a Service Delivery Agreement with Canada to support the implementation of its own child and family services law. This agreement supported a service model developed with members and delivered through CKAM.
On March 17, 2025, the Nation began implementing Mihtatakaw Sîpiy Awasak Wiyasiwêwin — the Driftpile River Children’s Law — in Alberta.
Through CKAM, the Nation continues to develop services that support families, prioritize prevention and help children maintain connections to their language, culture and community.
Milestones in our journey
FEBRUARY 27, 2025
A service delivery agreement
Driftpile Cree Nation signs an agreement with Canada to support implementation of its own child and family services law.
MARCH 17, 2025
Implementing our law
The Nation begins implementing the Driftpile River Children’s Law in Alberta.
OCTOBER 9, 2026
The next phase of service
CKAM begins receiving reports directly for registered DCN children living in Driftpile and Edmonton.
The name we honour
Honouring Chief Kinosew
Chief Kinosew, also known as Kinoosayo, was a Cree leader from the Lesser Slave Lake region. In 1899, he and his older brother, Moostoos, were key spokespeople for the Cree during Treaty 8 negotiations at Willow Point on Lesser Slave Lake.
CKAM honours his name and legacy through its work with children and families. Our Children’s Lodge carries that connection to leadership and community into its responsibility to support the wellbeing of future generations.