FRN Program
Free Indigenous family supports in Calgary
Cultural programming, Elder support, traditional teachings, and home visitation grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing. Available to all Indigenous families in Calgary, regardless of where you live. Delivered by Miskanawah.
What are Indigenous Family Resource Network supports?
Calgary has two dedicated Indigenous FRN zones — East and West — both run by Miskanawah. These aren't generic programs with an "Indigenous component" added on. They're built around Indigenous ways of parenting, healing, and building family strength.
The programming includes cultural support through Elders and ceremony, traditional teachings about child development and family roles, one-on-one parenting support, and home visitation grounded in traditional ways (the Miywasin Nohkom program). There are also programs specifically for youth, including cultural child-parent play and youth life skills.
Beyond Miskanawah, Niitoiyis provides culturally safe early development programming for Indigenous children 0-6 on the east side, and MCFS (Métis Calgary Family Services) offers group parenting, peer support, and Elder connections from a Métis perspective on the west side.
Eligibility
Who it's for
All Indigenous families in Calgary
First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and non-status — if you identify as Indigenous and you're raising children in Calgary, these programs are for you. Status card is not required.
Families with children 0-18
Programs are available for families at every stage, from prenatal through to youth. Some early development programs focus specifically on the 0-6 age range.
You can access Indigenous FRN programs regardless of where you live in Calgary. The East and West zones exist for coordination, not to restrict access.
What Happens
What to expect
Step 1
Reach out
Call Miskanawah at 403-700-8440 (East) or 403-714-4895 (West). You can also reach the direct programming line at 403-247-5003. Tell them you're interested in family support programs.
Step 2
Meet with a support worker
You'll connect with someone who understands Indigenous family life. They'll learn about your family, what you're looking for, and how to connect you to the right programming — whether that's cultural support, home visitation, or Elder connections.
Step 3
Cultural programming
Access Elder support, ceremony, and traditional teachings. These are woven into the program — not offered as a separate add-on. Cultural connection is central to how the support works.
Step 4
Home visitation (Miywasin Nohkom)
In-home support grounded in traditional ways of parenting and child development. A visitor comes to your home regularly to support your family's journey in a culturally safe way.
Step 5
Ongoing connection
Programming is not one-and-done. You stay connected to the community through ongoing cultural events, group sessions, peer support, and access to Elders. The relationship continues as your family grows.
Access Points
Where to access Indigenous family supports
Indigenous FRN programs are available city-wide through two zones. All Indigenous families can access either zone regardless of where they live.
Miskanawah — East
Tawaw East Cultural Support Services (Elder support, ceremony, Indigenous ways), Tawaw East Indigenous Early Intervention (1:1 parenting, youth life skills, child-parent play), Tawaw East Indigenous Home Visitation — Miywasin Nohkom.
📍 2335 30 Ave NE, Calgary, T2E 7C7
📞 403-700-8440 (hub) · 403-247-5003 (programs)
Hub: Miskanawah · miskanawah.ca
Miskanawah — West
Tawaw West Cultural Support Services, Tawaw West Indigenous Early Intervention, Tawaw West Indigenous Home Visitation — Miywasin Nohkom.
📍 2340 1st Ave NW, Calgary, T2N 0B8
📞 403-714-4895
Hub: Miskanawah · miskanawah.ca
Niitoiyis
Culturally safe early development programming for Indigenous children 0-6, plus Culturally Informed Youth Well-Being Program.
📍 Unit 225, 28 St NE, Calgary, T2A 6W9
niitoiyis.com
MCFS (Métis Calgary Family Services)
Group parenting, child development activities, peer support, mentoring, and Elder connections from a Métis perspective.
📍 352 Sunvale Dr SE, Calgary
📞 403-240-4642
mcfs.ca
Common Questions
Indigenous family supports FAQ
Do I have to live in a specific part of Calgary?
No. Indigenous family supports are available to all Indigenous families regardless of where you live in Calgary. The East and West zones exist for coordination — they don't restrict who can access services.
Who qualifies as Indigenous for these programs?
These programs are for all Indigenous families in Calgary — First Nations (status and non-status), Métis, and Inuit. A status card is not required. If you identify as Indigenous and have children, you're welcome.
Is this connected to child welfare?
No. These are voluntary, prevention-focused programs. They exist to support Indigenous families through cultural connection and community — not to monitor or evaluate families.
Can I access both Indigenous programs and other FRN programs?
Yes. Indigenous families can access Indigenous-specific programs through Miskanawah and also use any programs available through their geographic FRN zone. You're not limited to one or the other.
What is Miywasin Nohkom?
Miywasin Nohkom ("good grandmother" in Cree) is Miskanawah's Indigenous home visitation program. A visitor comes to your home to support parenting and child development in a culturally grounded way, incorporating traditional teachings and practices.
Related Programs
You might also need
Home visitation
General home visitation programs for families with children 0-6, available through your geographic FRN zone in addition to the Indigenous-specific Miywasin Nohkom program.
Rapid Access Counselling
A single 75-minute counselling session for individuals or families. Available through Kindred in both Indigenous FRN zones.
Child development support
Developmental screening and support. Niitoiyis also offers culturally safe early development programming for Indigenous children 0-6.
Ready to connect?
Call Miskanawah directly — no referral needed. Their team understands Indigenous family life and will make you feel welcome. You can also reach out to Niitoiyis or MCFS directly.