Philosophy The philosophy of Anishinaabe Abinoojii Family Services is founded on the recognition of the importance of the anishinaabe family system and the potential of the many traditional methods, strengths and resources within our communities to effect change in the quality and scope of our supportive social services. In the context of services to children and families, we firmly believe that children are not the private property and sole responsibility of individual parents; in our culture children are a special gift, a sacred loan from the Creator to the parents, to their family and to our people as a whole. Therefore, our children are sacred and the responsibility for the care, protection and nurturing of our children extends to all Anishinaabe people in our tribal territory. In March, 2018, our Elders Council, Giigidizhiminaanig, proclaimed and pronounced the programs and services provided by and extended by AAFS as the Customary Care Program including prevention, protection, alternative care and counselling services. Our Mission Our Mission is to protect Anishinaabe Abinoojii (Anishinaabe children) and to support the healing, wellbeing and strengthening of families through Abinoojii Inakonigewin, to achieve the preservation of families.