First Nations leaders urge Canada to renew national talks on $47.8B child welfare reform settlement

First Nations leaders in Canada are urging the government to reconsider its decision not to renew national negotiations on a $47.8-billion proposal to reform the on-reserve child welfare system. Last fall, chiefs rejected the offer, leading Canada to pursue region-specific standalone deals with the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) and Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), the only groups to fully endorse the agreement.

Terry Teegee, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) regional chief for British Columbia, expressed concern that chiefs outside of Ontario are feeling “punished” for their decision. He emphasized that excluding other groups from negotiations is not in line with good faith practices. Similarly, David Pratt, first vice-chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, called on the federal government to return to the national negotiating table, stating that they will continue to fight for a fair resolution.

The dispute stems from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal’s ruling in 2016, which found that the government had discriminated against First Nations children by underfunding the child welfare system and failing to uphold Jordan’s Principle. Jordan’s Principle ensures that Indigenous youth have access to necessary services without delays caused by jurisdictional disputes.

Canada initially proposed the $47.8-billion settlement to address the tribunal’s order, but after it was rejected by chiefs, the government stated that it would only negotiate with COO and NAN at this time. The AFN has raised the possibility of legal action if Canada does not engage in national negotiations.

Cindy Blackstock, executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, raised concerns about the proposed agreement, citing issues with governance and funding restrictions. NDP Indigenous Services critic Lori Idlout criticized the government for negotiating exclusively with Ontario, leading to division among First Nations groups.

With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing his resignation and the possibility of an early election, the future of the negotiations remains uncertain. Despite the challenges, leaders like Teegee and Pratt remain hopeful for a fair and inclusive resolution that prioritizes the well-being of Indigenous children.

In conclusion, the ongoing dispute over the child welfare system highlights the complexities of addressing historical injustices and the need for meaningful dialogue and collaboration between the government and First Nations communities.