First Nations child welfare advocates are committed to pursuing a new child welfare reform agreement as the Canadian government deliberates its response to a directive from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) to reopen discussions. The CHRT mandated that Canada indicate by August 29 whether it will engage in negotiations for a fresh child welfare pact with the National Children’s Chiefs Commission (NCCC) or the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the Caring Society.
Cindy Blackstock, the executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, expressed optimism that Canada would collaborate with the NCCC and honor the tribunal’s directives without undermining them. The directive emanates from a 2016 tribunal ruling that uncovered Canada’s discriminatory underfunding of the child welfare system for First Nations children on reserves and in Yukon.
In response to the CHRT’s order, Indigenous Services Canada sought clarification on the ruling while updating on previous discussions with the NCCC. Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty’s office indicated a review of the order to resume talks, prompting Blackstock to stress the importance of compliance with the tribunal’s decisions.
Should the government fail to comply, Blackstock noted that the process would proceed independently, necessitating negotiations with advocates during tribunal hearings. The Caring Society and the NCCC are actively engaged in community consultations and planning while awaiting the government’s decision, with Blackstock highlighting the NCCC’s efficacy in contrast to past failed negotiations.
Mary Teegee, chair of Indigenous Child and Family Services Directors — Our Children Our Way Society, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the NCCC’s improvements over previous negotiation processes. Teegee welcomed the CHRT’s recent decision, asserting that it bolsters the NCCC’s mandate to collaborate with the AFN and the Caring Society on a new agreement with the government.
As Teegee prepares to attend the AFN’s upcoming annual general assembly, where child welfare reform remains a key agenda item, she highlighted the NCCC’s efforts to engage with underserved communities excluded from previous talks. Teegee expressed readiness for Canada’s response to the tribunal’s order, confident in the tribunal’s commitment to upholding its decision and emphasizing the track record of favorable outcomes for children in judicial reviews.