First Nations child welfare advocates say work on reform deal will continue with or without Canada
First Nations child welfare advocates are committed to pushing forward with efforts to secure a new child welfare reform agreement, despite the federal government’s deliberation on responding to a directive from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) to restart discussions.
The CHRT has mandated that Canada provide a response by August 29 regarding the possibility of resuming negotiations for a fresh child welfare deal with the National Children’s Chiefs Commission (NCCC) or the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the Caring Society.
Cindy Blackstock, the executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, emphasized the importance of Canada consulting with the NCCC in compliance with the tribunal’s orders, rather than attempting to undermine them.
The CHRT’s ruling originated from a 2016 decision that found Canada guilty of discriminating against First Nations children on reserve and in Yukon by inadequately funding the child welfare system.
Following the rejection of a $47.8 billion agreement for First Nations child welfare reform at an AFN assembly last year, the decision was made to establish the NCCC to spearhead negotiations for a new accord.
Indigenous Services Canada has responded to the CHRT’s directive by seeking clarification on the ruling and updating on previous meetings conducted with the NCCC.
As the government contemplates its next steps, the Caring Society and the NCCC are persisting with their community consultation and planning efforts, with Blackstock praising the improved approach facilitated by working with the NCCC compared to past negotiations.
Mary Teegee, chair of Indigenous Child and Family Services Directors — Our Children Our Way Society, shared her belief that the recent CHRT ruling bolsters the NCCC’s mandate to collaborate with the AFN and the Caring Society on forging a new deal with the government.
As preparations are made for the upcoming AFN annual general assembly in Winnipeg, where child welfare reform will be a key topic of discussion, Teegee highlighted the NCCC’s outreach to remote communities and other marginalized groups excluded from prior negotiations.
In anticipation of Canada’s response to the tribunal’s order, Teegee expressed confidence in the tribunal’s commitment to upholding its decision, citing past successes in legal battles fought on behalf of children’s rights.
The dedication and determination of these advocates underscore the ongoing struggle to secure adequate child welfare support for Indigenous communities, with hopes pinned on a collaborative and inclusive negotiation process to bring about meaningful change.
