Red Lake Nation's approach to human services honored with award

The Red Lake Nation won an award from the Minnesota Department of Human Services for transforming its approach to human services and adapting the services to people, instead of the other way around.

Ombimindwaa Gidinawemaaganinaadog (“Uplifting Our Relatives”) is based on the Anishinaabe language, culture, traditions, beliefs and values. Intergenerational family wellness is the focus, including physical, emotional, spiritual, mental and cultural wellness for all family members in each hill of life – infancy, adolescence, adulthood and elderhood.

Services include family reunification and preservation, foster care and adult protection, waivered services and community-based mental health.

Minnesota Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead presented the Circle of Excellence award in an online event on Jan. 13. The award recognized the Red Lake Nation’s Family and Children Services for exemplary work providing access to food, health care and other assistance, with special consideration to efforts related to COVID-19.

The 10th annual Circle of Excellence awards honored organizations whose work supports DHS’ mission to help people meet their basic needs so they can live in dignity and achieve their highest potential.