By Alex Soloducha

Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation receives international recognition

Mar 11, 2014 | 5:16 PM

The Child and Family Services division at Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) was granted nationally and internationally-recognized accreditation on Tuesday.

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Services (CARF) Canada awarded them accreditation, which means that they have met and upheld 1,800 specified standards.

They applied back in June and were able to complete the standards for accreditation within six months.

The accreditation was presented to them during a luncheon, with June Draude, the minister of social services in attendance. She said she was very impressed with their accomplishment.

“[It] shows that they have standards of care that are very, very high for their children, not only for foster children but children in group homes, and the policies they have are all accountable. So, it’s a great recognition,” said Draude.

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According to Draude, reaching this level is quite a feat; the only other First Nation to meet this goal was the Lac La Ronge Indian Band in 2012.

“The works that’s required to meet these standards requires so much dedication. It means that people are passionate about the work that they’re doing with the First Nations and it just sets a bar really high when it comes to knowing that our children are in good hands, and we’re really proud of them,” said Draude.

Vera Sayese is the executive director of PBCN Family Services. She said was extremely happy about the acknowledgement they have received.

“Today is reaching a big achievement, I’m kind of emotional. The work that we do, working with children, comes from the heart, and I’m very proud to be part of the celebration of achieving the accreditation and to be able to better serve our children, our families, and our communities,” said Sayese.

According to Sayese, preparation was extensive and included up-scaling staff and being very policy driven. She said they have put a lot of work into their level of service, and will continue to do so going in to the future.

“We’ve always put the children first, first and foremost, no matter what goes down. It’s always protecting those children, enhancing their lives, working with the families, enhancing their family lifestyles, and with the community. In the communities, we come together, we do the best we can, for those families that are struggling and for those children that need our help,” said Sayese.

Chief Peter A. Beatty from PBCN said that he remembers when their Child and Family Services first started about 18 years ago, back when he was on council.

“I never envisioned this happening at that time, or even the amount of staff that’s there now, little own being recognized on an international level. It’s a great accomplishment,” said Beatty. “I feel proud for our organization being able to achieve it.”

Beatty acknowledges everyone who was involved in reaching their goal.

“It took a huge amount of effort and a lot of work by our staff. You know I really congratulate them on that and really appreciate the help of the ministry of course,” he said.

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On Twitter: @alex_soloducha