COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTS
Nitanis Group Ltd. - Indigenous Child & Youth Group Homes

An indigenous owned and led organization in Edmonton, Alberta providing culturally grounded child and youth group living care where Indigenous children can heal, grow, and reconnect with family and community.
Our Mission
Nitanis Group Ltd. is committed to creating safe, nurturing environments where Indigenous children can rediscover their cultural roots while receiving the highest standard of professional care.

Healing Through Culture
We provide trauma-informed care rooted in Indigenous wisdom and practices that honor each child's cultural identity and heritage.
Family Reconnection
We facilitate meaningful connections between children and their families, strengthening bonds that may have been strained or broken.
Community Integration
We build pathways for children to engage with their communities, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural continuity.
Our Vision
At Nitanis Group, an Indigenous-owned and led organization providing group care living to Indigenous children and youth, we envision brighter futures for awasisak and their families through healing, reunification, and cultural empowerment. Our vision is built on foundational pillars that guide our work:
1
Restoring cultural connections and strengthening Indigenous identity
2
Facilitating healing from intergenerational trauma through culturally informed care
3
Rebuilding and strengthening family bonds and community relationships
4
Empowering youth to embrace their heritage with confidence and pride
5
Building lifelong resilience through comprehensive, holistic care practices
Our Core Values
Children as Sacred Gifts
Every awasis is unique and valued. We recognize the inherent worth and potential of each child in our care, honoring them as sacred gifts to be nurtured and protected.
Family and Community
We believe in strengthening bonds for holistic healing and growth. Our programs actively involve families and communities in the care and development of children.
Cultural Identity
We empower children through their Indigenous heritage, ensuring they maintain strong connections to their cultural roots, traditions, and languages.
Holistic Care
We balance all aspects of well-being to foster resilience and connection, addressing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs according to the Medicine Wheel.
Our Approach to Care
The Nitanis Group integrates a trauma-informed care approach with the CARE (Children and Residential Experiences) model, guided by Indigenous worldviews, the Medicine Wheel, and the 7 Sacred Teachings.
Love
Embracing children with unconditional positive regard and acceptance.
Respect
Honoring each child's unique journey, background, and perspective.
Courage
Supporting children to face challenges and grow through adversity.
Honesty
Maintaining transparency and truthfulness in all interactions.
Wisdom
Applying knowledge and understanding in care decisions.
Humility
Recognizing our place within the greater community and world.
Truth
Staying faithful to our values and commitments in all we do.
These teachings are lived out in daily interactions, assessments, service planning, and cultural programming, creating a holistic ecosystem of care.
Our Holistic Service Model
Our care approach is grounded in the Medicine Wheel teachings, providing comprehensive support that nurtures the whole person through physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of wellness.
Physical Well-being
Nutritious meals, regular physical activity, access to healthcare, and comfortable living spaces that promote physical health and development.
Emotional Health
Trauma-informed emotional support, building healthy attachments, and developing resilience through consistent care relationships.
Mental Growth
Educational support, cognitive development activities, life skills training, and problem-solving techniques that prepare youth for independence.
Spiritual Connection
Cultural ceremonies, teachings from Elders, connection to language, and opportunities to practice traditional ways of knowing and being.
Our Service Process
Referral & Intake
We thoroughly assess each referral to ensure our program aligns with the child's needs. Initial meetings build trust and relationships with the child, their family, and key supports.
Personalized Care Planning
Each child receives a comprehensive care plan addressing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Plans are regularly reviewed and updated collaboratively with the child, family, and support team.
Implementation & Ongoing Support
Our skilled staff implement culturally-grounded care practices while maintaining open communication. Regular progress assessments ensure we continuously meet the child's evolving needs.
Transition Planning
We prepare children for successful transitions through comprehensive planning and follow-up support, ensuring continuity of care and lasting connections to culture and community.
Person-Centered Care
At Nitanis Group, we place the children and youth we serve at the center of all we do. The Canadian Accreditation Council recognized our excellence in this area with numerous commendations.
Respect & Empowerment
Children and youth consistently report feeling respected and empowered within the program. They are consulted and involved in all areas of their care planning.
Community Integration
Children and youth are integrated into the community and supported in maintaining these connections, fostering a sense of belonging beyond the group home.
Strength-Based Approach
Our use of positive incident reports speaks to the practice of strength-based programming, celebrating achievements and growth rather than focusing on challenges.
Our Program Excellence
Gold-Standard Care: 100% CAC Compliance
Nitanis Group has been officially recognized by the Canadian Accreditation Council for our excellence in providing culturally responsive care to Indigenous children and youth. Our policies, programs & practices passed CAC’s first-time review with no findings—fewer than 15 % achieve this.
This accreditation acknowledges our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of service delivery and continuous improvement.
Our Welcoming Environment
Our group home offers more than shelter—it provides a sanctuary in an established neighborhood where Indigenous cultural elements are thoughtfully woven throughout the space, creating a nurturing environment that truly feels like home for every child in our care.
1
Nurturing Physical Space
  • Nestled in a mature, family-friendly neighborhood, creating a genuine sanctuary.
  • Facility recognized by the Canadian Accreditation Council as "exceptionally well maintained and conveying a nurturing and healing home environment."
  • Accommodates up to seven youth in comfortable, private bedrooms.
  • Spacious bedrooms that each child is encouraged to personalize.
2
Cultural Integration
  • Cultural elements thoughtfully woven throughout the home, serving as daily reminders of heritage and identity.
  • A vibrant orange Star Blanket featuring the "Every Child Matters" symbol takes pride of place.
  • A carefully crafted medicine wheel carpet illustrates the Seven Sacred Teachings.
  • Cree words with English translations create natural opportunities for linguistic and cultural connection.
3
Home-Like Atmosphere
  • More than just housing; it's a true home where healing and growth can flourish.
  • Dedicated staff meticulously cultivate an environment that honors cultural identity while providing warmth and comfort.
  • A space designed to promote overall well-being.
  • Children feel safe, valued, and embraced within a larger community.
Areas of Excellence: Persons Served
Community Integration
Integration into the community with support in maintaining these connections.
Relationship-Based Care
Exceptional relationship-based care planning as demonstrated by heartfelt appreciation from Persons Served.
Safe Environment
Genuine expressions of feeling safe, comfortable, and respected in the program.
Respect & Empowerment
Empowerment and respect shown to Persons Served by the organization.
Non-Judgmental Support
Services provided without judgment, creating a sense of safety and security.
Cultural Connection:
Integrated the Medicine Wheel and Seven Sacred Teachings into daily group-home routines, grounding children in Cree identity.
Trauma-Informed Care:
Established child-centered policies prioritizing safety, emotional healing, and holistic growth.
Gold-Standard Excellence:
Guided Nitanis to flawless CAC accreditation—proving Indigenous-led care meets and exceeds national benchmarks.
Corinne's unwavering commitment ensures every child in our homes experiences belonging, cultural pride, and the support they need to thrive.
Passionate Leadership
Our program leaders demonstrate exceptional dedication to providing excellence in service delivery. The Canadian Accreditation Council specifically noted the passion and commitment of our leadership team in developing program staff and maintaining high standards of care.
Transparent Management
Our organization practices open communication and transparency at all levels. Senior management maintains involvement in all aspects of programming and service delivery, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
Supportive Supervision
Program supervisors are deeply knowledgeable about the programs they oversee and maintain supportive relationships with staff. This creates a positive work environment that translates to exceptional care for the children and youth we serve.
Excellence in Practice: Organization Strengths
These strengths were identified by the Canadian Accreditation Council during their comprehensive review of our services:
Person-Centered Care
"The organization shows deep commitment to putting the Persons Served first, evident through all levels from Senior Management to Front-Line Staff. Individuals served consistently express feeling respected, safe, and valued in the program"
Strong Cultural Foundation
"The organization has a strong commitment to ensuring cultural sensitivity for all. Our practice is deeply rooted in Indigenous worldviews, the Medicine Wheel, and the 7 Sacred Teachings that guide all aspects of our care approach"
Staff Excellence
"The organization has a strong commitment to ongoing staff training that exceeds core requirements. Staff are knowledgeable about the program model and dedicated to supporting each Person Served with genuine care and respect."
Our Leadership Circle
Nitanis Group's leadership team embodies a unique blend of experience and commitment, driving our mission to provide unparalleled, culturally grounded care. Their combined strengths have secured our position as a leader in Indigenous youth services.
Corinne Rothecker
CEO/Founder


As CEO/Founder, Corinne provides strategic direction . Her two decades in Indigenous child-welfare law ensure our services are rooted in Indigenous worldview, cultural connection, and relational accountability, putting children first.

Charlotte Gibbs
Program Director

Phone: (780) 915-9712
As Program Director, Charlotte excels in frontline operations and systems efficiency. Her leadership fosters a supportive atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and exceptional training, ensuring consistent, high-quality, youth-centered care daily
Lorraine Mlambo
In-house Counsel
and Managing Director
Phone: (780) 566-0794
Email: lmlambo@nitanisgroup.ca

As Inhouse Counsel & Managing Director, Lorraine oversees policy, compliance, and risk management. Her legal background ensures robust frameworks, audit readiness, and alignment with emerging standards, maintaining our high level of accountability.
Our Dedicated Staff
The heart of Nitanis Group is our exceptional staff team. The Canadian Accreditation Council highlighted numerous strengths in our staff practices:
1
Staff convey genuine care for the well-being of the Persons Served
2
Open and supportive communication between staff at all levels
3
Staff are knowledgeable about the program model and committed in their support
4
Staff are deeply focused on rapport building with youth
5
Stable staffing demonstrates commitment to the organization
Our staff team creates an environment where "conversation not consequences" and "behavior direction not behavior management" guide daily interactions.
Meet Our Indigenous Team
Our dedicated team, rooted in Indigenous communities, brings invaluable lived experience, cultural wisdom, and expertise, fostering a nurturing environment where children and youth can thrive and connect with their heritage.
Kukoum Velma, Elder
"Our stories, teachings, and language are the foundations of healing. I ensure every child feels the strength of their ancestors."
Elder Velma provides spiritual guidance and integrates traditional practices, ensuring cultural protocols are respected and children maintain a strong connection to their heritage. The children enjoy her presence and the wonderful crafts and activities she does with them weekly.
Charlotte Gibbs, Program Director
“Our vision is to provide programs that honor both professional excellence and cultural wisdom—because children deserve nothing less.”
Charlotte oversees our programs with vision and dedication, ensuring they meet the highest standards of care and cultural respect..
Tyra Jim, Team Leader
“Leadership to me means walking beside the children and our staff, ensuring everyone feels supported and empowered.”
Tyra leads with compassion and strength, ensuring our team works together to provide consistent, loving care.
Deborah Bruno, Key Worker
“I believe every child deserves a voice in their own story, and I’m here to walk with them as they discover their path.”
Deborah works closely with children and families, guiding them through their care plans and helping them build a path forward.
Cherrie Steinhauer, Support Worker
“I want the children to know that every day they are safe, valued, and surrounded by people who believe in them.”
Cherrie’s kindness and steady support create a warm, welcoming environment where children can thrive.ly.
Nikita Thomas, Support Worker
“Sometimes the smallest acts of care make the biggest differencelistening, encouraging, and reminding the kids they matter.”
Nikita provides daily encouragement and hands-on support, helping children feel safe, valued, and heard.
Meet Our Indigenous Team
Our dedicated team, rooted in Indigenous communities, brings invaluable lived experience, cultural wisdom, and expertise, fostering a nurturing environment where children and youth can thrive and connect with their heritage.
Partner With Us
Nitanis Group seeks partnerships with organizations to expand Indigenous youth services, offering accredited, culturally-responsive, trauma-informed care with strong community connections. Contact Charlotte Gibbs to explore collaboration opportunities.
Nitanis Group is seeking partnerships with social services, Indigenous bands, and community organizations to expand our capacity to serve Indigenous children and youth in need.
Why Partner With Us
Accredited excellence in culturally-responsive care
Demonstrated success in trauma-informed approaches
Strong connections to Indigenous communities
Holistic care model addressing all aspects of wellbeing
Committed to strengthening family and community bonds
Connect With Us
We're here to answer your questions and explore how we can support Indigenous children and youth. Reach out to discuss partnerships, program details, or general inquiries.
Call Us
+1 (780) 915-9712
General Inquiries
Our dedicated team is ready to provide information about Nitanis Group and our services.