Dibenjikewin Oganawenjikeg

Who We Are

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Dibenjikewin Onaakonikewin (“KIDO”) is the KI FamilyLaw and its Maamao Dibenjikewin Kanawaabajikewin (“MDK”) service model carries out child and familyservices, but KIDO is much broader than mainstream services. It is specific to KI Nation and is animportant exercise of Miinikozowin (inherent power) by KI and aims to restore kayaash egwa miinaahchaako kikinohamaakewinan (traditional and spiritual teachings of KI).

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug
Sioux Lookout
Thunder Bay

Vision Statement

To reach a goal of a healthy self, healthy dibenjikewin (family), and a healthy community. Our ancestors held everything sacred and thanked Kishe-Manido (Creator) for all that had been given, including the foundation to guide a strong community composed of healthy dibenjikewinan(families) who are raising awaashishag (children) and/or oshkaadizag (youth) grounded in their cultureand language.

Position Summary

The Dibenjikewin Oganawenjikeg (“DO” – Family Keeper) is a full-time position working directly with awaashishag, oshkaadizag egwa dibenjikewinan (children, youth and families) of KI. They are tasked with carrying out the 6 principles of the Maamao Dibenjikewin Kanawaabajikewin (“MDK”) service model of KIDO. The DO take a holistic approach and help dibenjikewinan work towards being misiwe minoyaawin – physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally healthy. Keeping dibenjikewinan together and reunification remains a focus in every capacity of their work and they will focus on management of their assigned KIDO MDK files.

The DO will take a home visit approach and contact the Kewiiwiijihiikoosiwaach (people who will need help – similar to mainstream clients) in their assigned MDK files every few days, and in some cases daily. Dibenjikewin Onajikewin (Family Meetings) will serve as the main tool for the DO to work collaboratively on the Wiijihiiwewinan Onajikewin (Helping Plan), Kanawenjiikewin Onajikewin (Care Plan), and any other issues with dibenjikewin to address the needs of the awaashish/oshkaadiz and other dibenjikewin members. This may include reviewing Sakakentaakosowin (Safety) planning and assessments as per Naanaakajijikewin (Investigation) requirements. This will require utilizing the KIDO MDK Database and providing summaries.

The DO will work the regular office hours of their assigned location, but at times may have to adjust their schedules to meet the needs of Kewiiwiijihiikoosiwaach and/or assist in times of crisis. They will report to their assigned DO Onakatawapajike (Supervisor).

Duties & Responsibilities

• Approach all their work based on love and compassion and remain professional.
• Spend time with the dibenjikewin members to develop a helping relationship.
• Follow the 6 kaa-iishi-niibawiijikaatek (principles) of MDK service model to provide the needed support.
• Demonstrate teamwork alongside other KIDO employees, including ESU, to provide the appropriate level of support based on danendamihiiwen (concern) level.
• Document all aspects of the members of a dibenjikewin in their file(s) and any naanaakajijikewin (investigation) after any reported danendamihiiwen is verified and assessments. This includes entering information into KIDO MDK database.
• Identify resource workers of other KI and external bimoojikewinan egwa wiijihiiwewinan (Program and Services) to provide the support and help required.
• Participate in case file transfers from a Children’s Aid Society (CAS) or other agency to ensure support is provided and build relationships for an efficient process.
• Follow protocols and policies regarding other CAS’ and service providers on information sharing and procedures, ensuring dibenjikewinan are kept informed.
• Work on providing prevention services and not remove an awaashish from the home prior to following all aspects within MDK and with external service providers.
• Follow and understand the duties and responsibilities in KIDO and the MDK policy, as trained by the KIDO Training Department, including any Nakoomidowin (agreements), Kichikidowinan (Declarations) and protocols.
• Ensure dibenjikewin members understand the MDK process, including the KI Dispute Resolution (KIDR) and Odoonendamaakeg (decision makers).
• As DO, ensure awaashish/oshkaadiz know and understand that they have rights and responsibilities under Part 6 of KIDO; and oniikihiikomaak (parents) know and understand their rights and responsibilities under Parts 4 & 5 of KIDO.
• As DO, bring in “auntie/uncle” advocates for awaashish/oshkaadiz, as assigned, to Sakakentaakosowin (Safety) planning or other planning in the file.
• Work closely with dibenjikewin and hold dibenjikewin onajikewin (family meeting) as required so that everyone involved with the awaashish/oshkaadiz can assi