Native Traditions Honour Foster Parents

Tradition will once again play a large part of Mi'kmaq ceremonies this year during Foster Family Week in Nova Scotia from Oct. 17 to 24.

Within the Mi'kmaq culture, the extended family is traditionally used to provide care and support to children.

"Each year the mainland office of Mi'kmaq Family and Children's Services prepares a traditional feast for foster parents, service providers, and those who have contributed to the well-being of our children," said foster care worker Doreen Bernard.

Foster families will be honoured with a traditional feast Oct. 20 from noon to 4 p.m. at the St Catherine's Church in Indian Brook.

"The feast is the community's way of saying thank you to foster parents and others who care for and support our children," said Rufus Copage, co-ordinator of volunteer services, who has supplied the moose meat for the traditional feast since 1992.

In Cape Breton, a banquet will be held Oct. 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holy Family Parish Gabriel Centre in Eskasoni.

"This banquet is attended by foster families, service providers, children in care, volunteer drivers, and community agency representatives," said foster care worker Angeline Denny.

National Foster Family Week is set aside each year to thank those who have opened their homes to children in need. Various activities are being held this week throughout the province to acknowledge the dedication, love, guidance and nurturing that foster families provide to children in our communities.

"The Mi'kmaq Family and Children's Services of Nova Scotia values tradition and uses the extended family and other dedicated foster parents to provide care for Mi'kmaq children throughout Nova Scotia," said social worker Karlena Johnson.