Margaret Fietz, president of Family Services Canada, told the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce that the family unit may have changed, but it's still working wonders.
"I believe we are putting blinders on about what's really happening to families," said Fietz.
Although family members are moving great distances away from each other, Fietz said they are still coming together in times of need.
She added that even though extended families may be a thing of the past in many communities, new family units, such as single-parent families and the so-called nuclear family, are still flourishing.
"Single parents are still forming other relationships and trying to form a (family unit) in which to raise children," she said.
Fietz, who was invited to Yellowknife by NWT Family Services, spoke at a recent chamber luncheon.
She said that National Family Week (Oct. 7 to 13) provides an excellent backdrop to help people remember that many families are succeeding.
"The popular perception is that families are dysfunctional," Fietz said.
"We don't hear about the families ... that are supporting each other, having fun and living together," she said.
This year's family week theme, rediscovering family strengths, may help drive that point home, said Fietz.
"I also believe that families are the original self-help groups."
Fietz encouraged families to take some time out to celebrate the family, even if it's something as simple as looking through a photo album together.
"Families will thrive, not just survive," she said.
Family Services Canada is a national voluntary organization dedicated to the well-being of families in Canada.
It promotes policies and programs that support families, and provides leadership and services to member agencies across Canada.