Dilico Anishinabek Family Care

Dilico Anishinabek Family Care is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Anishinabek children, families, and communities. Established to promote wellness and provide comprehensive care throughout the life journey of Anishinabek people, Dilico offers a wide range of programs and services addressing physical health, mental health, child welfare, and community well-being.

History and Mandate

Founded in response to concerns from Anishinabek chiefs in the 1980s about existing child and family services systems, Dilico was established to create culturally appropriate care and support mechanisms for Indigenous communities in Ontario. It is mandated as a children’s aid society under the provincial Child and Family Services Act, receiving and investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect with a focus on community safety and healing[3][5].

Services and Programs

Dilico provides diverse services tailored to the needs of Anishinabek peoples, including:

• Child Welfare Services: Receiving and responding to child protection concerns and supporting child and family safety through culturally grounded approaches[3].
• Community and Personal Support Services: Offering support for seniors, individuals with critical or long-term illnesses, persons with disabilities, and speech and language services for children in on-reserve schools[4].
• Mental Health and Wellness: Programs and campaigns supporting mental health promotion, illness prevention, trauma recovery, and holistic healing journeys.
• Family and Community Programs: Responsive supports aimed at the overall welfare of families and communities, including educational and preventive initiatives[2].

Dilico emphasizes a strengths-based approach, focusing on the gifts, purpose, and resilience of Anishinabek individuals rather than deficits. Their model involves a "circle of care" where professionals collaborate to restore balance and well-being in clients’ lives by addressing the root causes of issues and fostering cultural identity and community ties[5].

Community Engagement and Events

Dilico actively engages with the community through events and campaigns such as the annual Dare to Dream Day during Children’s Mental Health Week and the Christmas Wish campaign, which support community spirit and wellbeing[1]. The organization regularly publishes reports and newsletters to share updates and highlight achievements.

Geographic Reach

Dilico serves Anishinabek people primarily within Northwestern Ontario, including the Districts of Kenora, Rainy River, and Thunder Bay, as well as the City of Thunder Bay[3][4].

Governance

Dilico operates under the guidance of community leadership and professionals who ensure services are aligned with the values and needs of Anishinabek families and communities. Its business registration number is 107019812RR0001.

Dilico Anishinabek Family Care embodies a culturally rooted, comprehensive approach to Indigenous family and community health, striving to empower Anishinabek peoples through healing, support, and resilience-building programs.