In 1989 Kunuwanimano Child & Family Services, funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services, began operations as a child and family services agency serving the needs of children and families under Section X of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act.

Kunuwanimano was incorporated as a non-profit organization on May 15, 1989.

Kunuwanimano will have a mandate to deliver child welfare services to 11 First Nation communities within their catchment area. This mandate comes from both the Chiefs of the 11 First Nations and the Province of Ontario under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act.

The agency will be developed in a manner that recognizes the unique culture and values of the First Nations, sensitive to the unique needs of our children, youth, families and communities, building on the strengths of First Nations culture, traditions and child rearing practices.

First Nations have an inherent authority to make decisions on child welfare matters that affect members of the First Nations Band. This inherent authority is recognized in Part X of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act.  Kunuwanimano will develop a service model that respects this inherent authority for child welfare matters by developing Protocols through which First Nations participation in decision making on child welfare matters will be established.