Our Services

The Band Representative program is responsible to ensure the best interest of the Band is taken into consideration when families become involved in the judicial system.

• Provides support and advocacy for families involved with protection services.

• Advocates for and supports identifying community and family placements.

• Ensures a connection is maintained to family and community.

• Ensures services are provided in a culturally sensitive and appropriate manner.

Band Representative Staff    705-450-5071

Kim Mianskum, Band Representative Supervisor  - ext. 204

Jared Musgrove, Band Representative - ext. 223

Natalie Nielsen, Band Representative - ext. 219

Stacey McLean, Band Representative - ext. 225

Alexandra Rendell, Band Representative Clerk -  ext. 217

Christelle Tegosh, Band Representative - On Leave 

Dawn Roach, Intake/Reception -On Leave

Provide one-on-one support and assistance in the familial home to high-risk families to improve and strengthen their parenting and life skills which promote physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness.

The In-Home Family Support Worker will work  with families in their home to assist with everyday parenting and life skills. A Wellness Plan is developed with the family’s input to create achievable goals. Assistance may include but is not limited to: Parenting, Household Management, Relationship Challenges, Life Skills, Decision Making and Advocacy.

Wellness Workshops 

Educational programming offered to parents/caregivers with a goal of providing knowledge and awareness, which can be implemented in the home. These workshops are delivered to assist families in achieving the goals identified in their Wellness Plan.

Youth In-Home Family Support

Youth In-Home Family Support assists youth through one-on-one support with a Youth Support Worker. The worker facilitates a range of evidence-based prevention programs and strategies to address risk factors experienced by youth. Workshops will promote their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. 

Community Learning Hub

A one-on-one interactive computer-based program that enhances everyday life skills and offers support. Topics include, but are not limited to:  

Substance Abuse 

Gender Equality

Understanding Healthy vs. Bullying relationships 

Self-awareness

Anger Management

Relaxation Techniques

For inquiries, questions and referrals please contact  705-450-5071.

IHFS Staff 

Kim Mianskum, Band Representative/IHFS Supervisor - ext. 204

Alicia Tousignant, IHFS Worker - ext.  218

Tamara Musgrove-Boissoneau, IHFS Worker - ext. 224

Stacey Musgrove, IHFS Worker - ext. 226

Dawn Roach, Intake/Reception - On Leave

Community Outreach delivers a variety of evidence based workshops and services that build new skills, offer support and advocacy, promote family unity and raise community awareness.

Please see the Monthly Calendar  for more details. 

Wellness Workshop topics include (but not limited to): 

Healthy Relationships

Building Children’s Self Esteem

Intellectual Disabilities Awareness

Cyberbullying and Social Media

Anxiety Disorders

Dealing with Anxiety and Depression

Dealing with Grief

Parents Supporting Kids – Separation and Divorce

How to Deal with Anger

Bullying Awareness

Suicide Awareness

Healthy Discipline

Decreasing Conflict within the Home

Talking to Children About Death

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Guide to A Growth Mindset

How Attachment Styles Affect Parenting

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Affects the Whole Family

Anxiety and Depression in Children

Personality Traits and Characteristics of Adult Children of Alcoholics

Coping with Grief and Loss

Adversity and Resiliency in Children

Helping Children Cope with Trauma

Parent’s Guide to Surviving the Teen Years

Cultural Teachings

Family Wellness Parties

(Currently on hold)

This unique “party” allows Garden River Band and Community members to host an educational Wellness Workshop in the comfort of their homes  for 15 friends and/or family. 

Family Wellness Poster

Community Outreach Staff  705-450-5071

Melissa Grawbarger, Community Outreach Supervisor - ext. 205

Stevie Nolan, Community Outreach Worker - ext. 221

Youth Support provides a variety of workshops and programs for children and youth with age groups varying from 7 – 24 years. 

Workshops for Children and Youth

Programming that educates youth on a variety of topics to support healthy development and enrich their lives. 

The Programs/Workshops are divided by the following age groups: 

Children 7 – 9 years

Children 10 – 12 years

Youth 13 – 17 years

Youth 18 – 24 years

Programs/Topics include, but are not limited to: 

Positive Thinking

Building Self-Esteem

Healthy Relationships

Values

Team Building

Bullying

Money Management

Time Management

School Readiness

Learning Styles

Studying Habits

Cultural Teachings

Guest Speakers

Team Building

For more details see the Monthly Calendar and Posters.

Youth Outreach Staff  705-450-5071

Melissa Grawbarger, Community Outreach Supervisor - ext. 205

Marie T. Pine, Youth Outreach Worker - ext. 214

The Garden River Child and Family Services Early Years Program is an interactive drop- in program for children and their families, from birth to six years of age.  Our Early Years program plays an important role in supporting children’s learning, development, health and well-being, along with social and emotional growth. 

Our Early Years program is a great opportunity for families to engage with their children along with other parents and caregivers. 

Daily Drop In

Parents and their children 0–6 participate in daily planned play-based activities that support learning and attachment.

Evening Workshops

Children succeed in programs that focus on active learning through exploration, play and inquiry.  Topics include (but are not limited to): 

Story/Song time

Sensory and creative experiences

Early science and math development 

Imagination development through dramatic play.

Many of our programs encourage the use of Anishinaabemowin language and include Ojibway Teachings to instill a sense of belonging.

Early Learning Activities

Our activities are developed by Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECE’s). Children thrive in programs where they and their families are valued as active participants and contributors.

Early Years Staff  705-450-5071

Melissa Grawbarger, Community Outreach Supervisor - Ext. 205

Belinda Camara, Registered Early Childhood Educator -Ext. 202

Kelly Musgrove, Registered Early Childhood Educator - Ext. 206 

Community Events

Garden River Child and Family Services Team provides both annual and monthly events to the whole community. 

Annual Programs

Nobody's Perfect

An 8-week program for parents and caregivers of children 0-6 years to improve participants capabilities to maintain and promote the health of their 0-6 year old children. 

Strengthening Families

A 10-week program based on material from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Aimed at improving family connection and deterring drug & alcohol misuse. 

Involves separate sessions for caregivers and children as well as combined family sessions.

Positive Parenting Program (Triple P)

For parents/caregivers of children 0-12 years. A parenting program that works with the parents on building positive parenting strategies when children are displaying challenging behaviour.

Family Dances

April - Spring Dance

June - End of School Celebration

October - Halloween Dance

December - Christmas Dance

February - Valentines Dance 

Family Swim Night

A weekly Community Swim Night is held at John Rhodes Pool in Sault Ste. Marie from September to June. 

Buffalo Riders Program

A 10-week intervention program for youth ages 10-13 & 14-18 that addresses substance misuse for populations at risk or engaged in harmful behaviour. 

It uses cultural teachings about resiliency, risk and protective factors. 

Annual Christmas Parade 

Held in early December in the Community of Garden River First Nation.