August 09, 2001
RESTRUCTURING OF CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES SYSTEM REACHES NEXT STEP
Vision Document Released to Generate Public Feedback
A vision document proposing changes to restructure the child and family services system in Manitoba was released today by provincial government, Metis and First Nations leaders.
"Promise of Hope: Commitment to Change" is a vision paper created for public review and feedback. The document outlines proposed shifts in government policy, unprecedented in Manitoba and Canada, intended to involve and empower Aboriginal peoples in the delivery of child and family services throughout the province.
The document was created through the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry – Child Welfare Initiative (AJI-CWI), which involves representatives from the provincial government, the Manitoba Metis Federation, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. With assistance from existing child and family services agencies, the AJI-CWI has been working closely over the past year to examine ways of improving the Manitoba system. The initiative supports a commitment to address the Child Welfare Recommendations of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry report.
The proposed restructuring plan recognizes and respects Manitoba’s cultural diversity and returns to Metis and First Nations peoples the right to develop and control the delivery of their own child and family services.
"We have reached a defining stage. Our government remains committed, together with Metis and First Nations leaders, to moving ahead with plans to restructure the child and family services system in Manitoba," said Tim Sale, minister of family services and housing. "I am very pleased with the progress to date. In a spirit of co-operation, representatives of the AJI-CWI have created proposals that will make the child and family services system more responsive to the needs of all children and families in Manitoba."
"Through this ground-breaking and historic process, we have a proposal for a new, culturally appropriate child and family services system," said Eric Robinson, minister of Aboriginal and northern affairs. "Now Manitobans will have an opportunity to provide their input and we welcome their feedback on this important initiative."
"The Promise of Hope is an aptly titled document as we continue our journey to bringing our children back," said Manitoba Metis Federation President David Chartrand. "The Promise is what our families have hoped for years to achieve and the completion of this phase signifies a historic milestone in achieving the hope of our children. Our families are the glue that binds the Metis Nation together. The Promise of Hope will be the blueprint designed by Aboriginal and government partners to ensure proper care of Metis children in culturally and socially appropriate contexts."
"Manitoba First Nation communities have embarked on an arduous journey of healing, a journey desperately needed to remedy the profound effects of government policies that were destructive towards the family unit," said Grand Chief Dennis White Bird of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. "The AJI-CWI Initiative, I believe, will be instrumental in the process of restoring ownership and pride back to the First Nations' people."
"With respect to all of the 27 Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak First Nations, the proposed changes will result in culturally appropriate services being delivered to members, regardless of where they live in Manitoba," said MKO Grand Chief Francis Flett. "In contrast to the current situation, under the proposed plan, MKO First Nations members living off-reserve will be able to receive services from an affiliated MKO First Nations child and family services agency."
To invite public feedback on the proposed plan, 12 town hall meetings will be held throughout Manitoba in September. The public is invited to submit comments in writing and focus groups will secure feedback from people served by the current system, including adults who have been in care as children, foster families and women’s organizations.
Copies of the document are being sent to over 1,500 groups and agencies providing child and family or related services. An electronic version of the document is also available on the World Wide Web at www.aji-cwi.mb.ca
All Manitobans are encouraged to review the vision document and provide feedback, either at the public meetings or in writing by Sept. 30 to: AJI-CWI, c/o 216-114 Garry St., Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4V4. Additional information and copies of the vision paper can also be obtained by telephoning 945-1183 in Winnipeg or toll-free 1-866-300-7503.
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SCHEDULE FOR AJI-CWI TOWN HALL MEETINGS
Promise of Hope: Commitment to Change
The following is the schedule for town hall meetings being held throughout the province to gather feedback from the public on the proposed plan to restructure the child and family services system in Manitoba.
Each meeting will include a presentation on the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry – Child Welfare Initiative (AJI-CWI). Individuals and groups can make presentations at the town halls. Pre-registration is not required but recommended to ensure that time is available for each presentation. Each town hall will also include a question and answer period, as well as an "open floor" for anyone interested in providing additional feedback.
Sunday, Sept. 9
Churchill
Heritage Hall
10 Franklin St.
Starting at 6:30 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 10
Pinaymootang FN/Fairford
Pinaymootang Arena
Starting at 6:30 p.m.
Thompson
St. Lawrence Hall
114 Cree Rd
Starting at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 11
OCN/The Pas
Kikiwak Inn
Hwy. 10, OCN
Starting at 6:30 p.m.
Portage la Prairie
William Glesby Centre
11 Second St. N.E.
Starting at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 12
Brandon
Agricultural Centre
1129 Queens Ave.
Starting at 6:30 p.m.
Cross Lake FN/Cross Lake
Band Hall
Starting at 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 13
Garden Hill FN/Garden Hill
Band Hall
Starting at 1:30 p.m.
Swan River
Legion Hall
119 Sixth Ave. N.
Starting at 6:30 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 17
Sagkeeng FN/Pine Falls
Sagkeeng Band Hall
Starting at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 19
St. Boniface (designated French language meeting)
Franco-Manitobain Culturel Centre
340 Provencher Blvd.
Starting at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 20
Winnipeg
R.B. Russell School
364 Dufferin Ave.
Starting at 6:30 p.m.
Child care support will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis (please call ahead to make arrangements).
Interpretation assistance in Aboriginal languages and American Sign Language (ASL) may be available at some of the town hall meetings (please call one week ahead to make arrangements).
For further information, to register to make a presentation, or to inquire about child care supports and/or interpretation assistance, please call:
In Winnipeg 945-1183
Outside Winnipeg 1-866-300-7503 (toll-free)
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