February 22, 2000

HISTORIC CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES AGREEMENT SIGNED BETWEEN MANITOBA METIS FEDERATION AND PROVINCE

The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) and the province have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding which will lead to the creation of a child and family services system for Metis people throughout Manitoba.

The agreement between the MMF and the province is the first of its kind in Canada, and is based on the child welfare recommendations in the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry Report. Metis people will now be able to work towards delivering services under the Child and Family Services Act, as well as adoption services under the Adoption Act.

"Today’s agreement acknowledges that Metis families have a right to control the delivery of child and family services," said Family Services and Housing Minister Tim Sale. "This is a memorable day for all Manitobans and I feel honoured to sign my name to a document which creates hope for elders, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles and most importantly-- children -- to live and work within their own cultural traditions and beliefs."

"Our people have waited generations to restore our responsibility and hope for our children," stated MMF President David Chartrand. "We have lost thousands of our children from our families and because of this we risk losing our culture. We can even say that our children have lost their souls. The Metis Nation is family oriented. We are a proud people and continue to make a significant contribution in the building of this beautiful province. We can once more keep our children within our families and our culture. I must commend this government for taking action. We waited nine years since the AJI report and this government has now taken nine weeks to act on the recommendations that have gathered dust on the shelves of our legislature."

On behalf of the Aboriginal Justice Implementation Commission (AJIC), Paul Chartrand said, "I am pleased to see such quick action on the commission’s recommendation that the government enter into agreements that would result in more aboriginal communities developing and delivering aboriginal child welfare services."

"The commission sees this as an essential step towards implementation of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry’s recommendations in the area of child welfare," said Wendy Whitecloud, AJIC commissioner.

Today’s agreement honours a commitment to implement recommendations of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry. The agreement recognizes that Metis people are entitled to develop effective, community-based child and family services which reflect their unique status, as well as their cultural and linguistic heritage.

Under the terms of the memorandum, it is understood that locally developed solutions are the most effective and practical approach to ensuring self-determination and healthy communities. A process will be established shortly to implement these important changes in the delivery of child and family services programs in Manitoba.

"I am hopeful that Manitoba’s Metis people will understand today’s signing as a promise that Metis people have a right to be directly involved in helping to preserve the dignity of their families and their children," said Sale.

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