The federal government has signed a protocol agreement with the Assembly of First Nations to outline how the two will move forward to give jurisdictional control of child and family services over to Indigenous communities.
The signing builds on the passing of Bill C-92 which came into effect in January to reduce the number of youth in care.
The agreement will let First Nations decide what is best for their children, their families, and their communities.
AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde says this is a historic turning point for Indigenous children and families.
“It’s under First Nations law and jurisdictions where we can start focusing on prevention. Making sure that the children are kept with their family in a loving, caring, nurturing home. That’s what this is all about. So it should make a difference in time. No question.”
Minister of Indigenous Services Marc Miller says “Just as the Act was co-developed with partners, the signing of this Protocol with the Assembly of First Nations will help ensure that discussions surrounding its implementation happen in a way that works for First Nations, and the children of their community. By formalizing discussions on the Act’s implementation, we are working together to reduce the number of Indigenous children in care.”
The agreement will kick-start discussions as no funding has been attached.
Miller says “We have made budgetary requests. The prime minister has committed to amounts sufficient to allow communities to transition to affirm the authority over the children that have been taken into care.”
He adds “We need to increase resources so that we can engage and have those discussions with the rights holders. Communities that want to affirm their sovereign laws. And allocate resources accordingly so children aren’t taken out of communities and have the resources within the communities.”
Chief Perry Bellegarde points out “It’s needs based. Once the needs have been identified then clearly the necessary resources to meet the needs have to flow and then it’s our job to push the Crown that happens.”
Key elements of the Protocol include:
-A commitment to regular bilateral meetings on the Act and on the co-development of schedule and agenda;
-Support for the development of national distinctions-based policy through the establishment of the Joint National Working Group on Legislative Implementation in relation to First Nations;
-The development and creation of tools and mechanisms at the federal level to support implementation of the Act; and
-The establishment of a Joint Fiscal Table on First Nations Child and Family Services reform to explore and identify fiscal issues relevant to First Nations implementation of the legislation
Kevin Hart is the Manitoba Chief for the AFN and he provided the following comments:
#GoC & @AFN_Updates formalize Protocol to implement the Act. This Protocol will ensure discussions happen in a way that works for First Nations partners and the children of their community. https://t.co/YPLEsXhWkS pic.twitter.com/AntIqHhNGr
— Minister Marc Miller (@Min_IndServ) July 7, 2020
