Saskatchewan First Nation comes to B.C. to talk about taking over child welfare

Saskatchewan’s Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) recently made a trek to British Columbia (B.C.) to discuss the potential for First Nation-led child welfare services. In an effort to re-establish Indigenous autonomy in the realm of child welfare, FSIN is looking to draw on their own resources to develop and manage their own child welfare system.

The FSIN is a political organization that represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. FSIN’s Vice-Chief, Dutch Lerat, recently attended a Conference of Child and Family Services in B.C. to speak with the Ministry of Children and Family Development, as well as regional representatives, in hopes of achieving their goal of First Nation-led child welfare services.

Lerat highlighted the importance of allowing Indigenous people to take control of their own child welfare services, citing both historical and cultural reasoning. He asserts that, in the past, Indigenous children were taken from families and adopted into non-Indigenous homes, often leading to a disconnect between children and their culture, language, and identity.

Lerat went on to explain that Indigenous people have the knowledge, experience and ability to develop and deliver their own child welfare services. He believes that giving Indigenous people the opportunity to do so will not only benefit the children, but will help to increase the understanding of Indigenous culture, values, and beliefs in the province.

The FSIN has already taken the first steps to developing their own child welfare system, which includes the appointment of a Child and Family Services Director and the establishment of a Child and Family Services Commission.

The Conference of Child and Family Services provided the FSIN with the opportunity to explore how their own system could work in concert with B.C.’s. Both parties are looking forward to further dialogue on the matter, with the hope of eventually transitioning to a system that is mutually beneficial and respectful of Indigenous autonomy.

The FSIN’s visit to B.C. marks a critical step towards the transition to a First Nation-led child welfare system, as well as a renewed commitment to the preservation of Indigenous culture and values.

At the Conference of Child and Family Services, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) sought to advance its aim of realizing Indigenous autonomy in the realm of child welfare. Vice-Chief Dutch Lerat spoke to the Ministry of Children and Family Development and regional representatives about the importance of allowing Indigenous people to take control of their own child welfare services. He cited historical and cultural factors to illustrate the need for such a system, as well as the capacity of Indigenous people to develop and deliver their own services.

The FSIN has already taken the initial steps towards forming their own child welfare system, appointing a Child and Family Services Director and establishing a Child and Family Services Commission. The Conference provided the opportunity to explore how their system can be integrated with B.C.’s, in a way that is mutually beneficial and respectful of Indigenous autonomy.

The visit to B.C. is a significant milestone for the FSIN, as it marks a renewed commitment to the preservation of Indigenous culture and values, as well as a determination to transfer the power of child welfare from the provincial government to the nation.

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) recently traveled to British Columbia (B.C.) to advance their ambition of attaining Indigenous autonomy in the realm of child welfare. At the Conference of Child and Family Services, FSIN Vice-Chief Dutch Lerat elucidated the historical and cultural reasons to support such a system, as well as the capability of Indigenous people to develop and deliver their own services.

The FSIN has already undertaken steps towards the formation of their own child welfare system, appointing a Child and Family Services Director and establishing a Child and Family Services Commission. The Conference provided the opportunity to explore how the FSIN’s system could be incorporated with that of B.C. in a way that is beneficial to both parties and recognizes Indigenous autonomy.

The visit to B.C. is indicative of the FSIN’s dedication to the preservation of Indigenous culture and values, and their commitment to the transfer of child welfare power from the provincial government to the nation.