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April 27, 2000

 

ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA CHIEFS AND PROVINCE SIGN HISTORIC CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES AGREEMENT

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and the province have signed a historic memorandum of understanding which will expand delivery of child and family services to First Nations people living off-reserve in Manitoba, in keeping with a recommendation put forward by the Aboriginal Justice Implementation Commission (AJIC).

Five First Nations agencies providing services to 35 southern First Nations communities will see their jurisdictions expanded province wide. The agreement will make it possible for First Nations agencies to deliver the full range of services under the Child and Family Services Act, as well as adoption services under the Adoption Act.

"This agreement is a historic first step in the way Manitoba approaches the delivery of child and family services for First Nations people," said Family Services and Housing Minister Tim Sale. "Today’s signing ceremony signals a new beginning. It is long overdue that we recognize the right of First Nations families to develop and control child and family services."

"The memorandum of understanding signing between the Province of Manitoba and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs on behalf of the Southern First Nations Child Welfare Agencies represents a step toward full jurisdiction over child welfare," stated Grand Chief Rod Bushie. "It places the responsibility for First Nations children where it has always belonged, with First Nations people themselves and their mandated agencies."

"In this historic moment for Manitoba and the First Nations people, we are recognizing the unique cultural needs and sensitivities of Aboriginal families and children," said Eric Robinson, minister of Aboriginal and northern affairs. "We were pleased to work with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs on this agreement to expand control and delivery of child and family services to the First Nations people and their designated agencies."

Paul Chartrand and Wendy Whitecloud, commissioners of the AJIC, stated that they are pleased to see the Government of Manitoba continuing with its implementation of the commission’s first recommendation in the area of child welfare. The AJIC was established last fall to review the report of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, identify priority areas for government action and make practical, cost-effective and attainable recommendations for improving justice programs and services for First Nations and Metis people in Manitoba.

Under the terms of the memorandum, it is understood that child and family services and programs for First Nations people will be developed to reflect the unique status of First Nations people, as well as their cultural and linguistic heritage. The memorandum also acknowledges that First Nations people have a right to control the delivery of child and family services programs for their respective community members. It is also recognized that locally developed solutions are the most effective and practical approach to ensuring self-determination and healthy communities.

"Together with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs we can finally move forward and ensure that First Nations families and communities have the opportunity to receive culturally appropriate child and family services throughout Manitoba," said Sale.

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