Meet the Band Designate
In our ongoing commitment to serve and support our community, we would like to highlight the essential role of the Band Designate, Ella Knockwood.
If you want to learn more about the vital services provided by our Band Designate or seek assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Ella!
Ella Knockwood, BA, BSW, RSW
902-956-0718
banddesignate@sipeknekatik.ca
Empowering First Nations Families: The Role and Services of the Band Designate
The Band Designate acts as a crucial advocate for the rights and interests of First Nations children and their families within the child welfare system. Representing the band and it’s members interests in court proceedings, the Designate ensures that our values, culture, and heritage are respected and understood throughout the process.
This role includes ensuring that families are included in planning for children deemed to be in need of protection.
The Designate advocates for children to be cared for by family members, members of the community, or another First Nations family, fostering a connection to their cultural heritage.
Advocacy & Cultural Support
The Band Designates' responsibilities extend beyond the courtroom. They provide guidance on navigating the child protection process, educate those involved about community resources, and advocate for culturally relevant services, including traditional healing and language revitalization.
By actively participating in Family Group Conference Circles and Court Case Conferences, the Designate ensures that the voices of First Nations families are heard and respected.
Services in Community
The Band Designate can refer clients to services in the community, such as:
- Physician, Dental, Home Care, and Nursing Services.
- Clinical Therapy Services for Children.
- Public Health, Early Intervention and Enhanced Home Visitor and Jordans Principle Referral Services.
- Adult Mental Health Services (Clinical Therapy, Anger Management, Wellness Retreats)
- Addiction/Prevention Services (Suboxone Program, one-on-one counselling)
- Prenatal and Maternal Child Health Services.
Support Eligibility & Guidelines
The Band-Designate Program collaborates with the Family Well Being Program to ensure that our community members receive comprehensive support without duplication of services.
We encourage families involved with child welfare agencies, those at risk of losing custody, and caregivers providing kinship or foster care to reach out for support. To qualify for assistance, individuals must be registered members of the band, either on-reserve or off-reserve.
Eligible families or individuals may receive support through gift cards once a month for a maximum duration of three months within a fiscal year. This helps to meet seasonal needs, such as clothing for school, as well as transportation costs for medical appointments or cultural events.