First Peoples Child & Family Review
A Journal on Innovation and Best Practices in
Aboriginal Child Welfare Administration, Research, Policy and Practice

History

Our first editorial meeting took place on Saturday, May 17th, 2003 in Halifax, Nova Scotia at the Casino Nova Scotia Hotel to focus on the development of this new online e-journal. We gratefully acknowledge the assistance and expertise of Ms. Burnside, the editor of Envision Online (www.envisionjournal.com), who graciously shared her experience in developing a similar electronic journal which focuses primarily on advancing the practice of child welfare in Manitoba. Ms. Burnside shared a wealth of knowledge and provided advice to the Board members on how to further develop the Caring Society's electronic online journal.

In discussing the mission, vision, value statements espoused by this new journal, discussion evolved around some key issues that will need to be further flushed out by the editorial board members, which include but are not limited to the following:

• copyright issues related to the journal and authors;
• distribution (i.e. either electronic or print);
• respecting diversity of [indigenous] knowledge;
• copyright issues, research must benefit community;
• ensuring the protection of Indigenous knowledge
• how to reflect holistic concepts, social, spiritual
• interdependence of knowledge, multidisciplinary, interconnectedness
• making certain that the journal is seen as a gathering place where conversation on Aboriginal ways of knowing and being promotes dialogue
• sharing knowledge to promote dialogue and practices that are meaningful and respectful of the diversity of aboriginal children, families and nations

Some of the goals identified and discussed by the editorial board include but again, are not limited to the following:

• Creating a place of safety where aboriginal writing and wisdom is valued and acknowledged (aboriginal themes);
• A new model of publication that creates access for First Nations scholars;
• A place of dialogue and sharing;
• Promotion of aboriginal academic research and writing;
• Promoting and mentoring Aboriginal talent;
• Reclaiming our voice;
• Showcase best Aboriginal practices (concepts); and
• Encouraging cultural competence and congruence.

The editorial board agreed that the journal would be a peer reviewed e-journal and published once in the first year of publication and twice yearly after that. Sponsors will be sought to help launch and increase the profile of the First Peoples Child & Family Review. The terms of reference of the editorial board as well as the vision and mission statements, goals and objectives of this e-journal were discussed and revised at an editorial board meeting in September 2003, hosted by the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College now called the "First Nations University of Canada", in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.