“Our children are sacred. It is essential that our laws, programs, and policies recognize the importance of our children within our Nations.”– Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 12, 2024
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is responding to news that the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has announced that the First Nations Parties to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal complaint on discrimination in the First Nations Child and Family Services Program have secured a commitment from the Government of Canada to provide $47.8 billion for the reforms proposed in a final settlement agreement over a 10-year period.
“On behalf of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, I commend all those who have been working to achieve the best interests of First Nations children and families,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “For more than a decade, advocates have worked their way through a lengthy, complex process. SCO recognizes and lifts up these advocates and recognizes the Government of Canada for committing $47.8 billion to begin to reform the First Nations Child and Family Services Program.”
In the coming months, First Nations leaders will meet with the AFN at regional engagement sessions to share their views review and discuss the details of the draft settlement agreement.
A Special Chiefs Assembly will take place in Winnipeg in September 2024. The Chiefs-in-Assembly will deliberate on proposed reforms of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program and vote on the proposed measures.
“Our children are sacred. It is essential that our laws, programs, and policies recognize the importance of our children within our Nations. The child welfare system has been broken for far too long, and it’s essential we move to begin to meaningfully reform this system as soon as possible. The well-being of our children and future generations depends on First Nations leading the way in reasserting jurisdiction over child welfare,” concluded Grand Chief Daniels.
SCO’s Child and Family Services Program works diligently and collectively with all southern First Nations, individuals, families, partnerships, and all levels of government to help ensure that all First Nation children and families are receiving adequate services, programs, and opportunities that will enhance their wellbeing. SCO has Community Engagement Liaisons assisting eight of the SCO member Nations in developing a framework for First Nations seeking to reclaim jurisdiction over child welfare since the passing of federal legislation, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Metis children, youth, and families.
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 34 First Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
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Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca