First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families
Co-developed with Indigenous partners, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families (the Act) is a key step towards keeping Indigenous children and youth connected to their families, communities and culture and enabling them to thrive.
Outcome
Peguis First Nation’s journey to implement their child and family services law
On January 31, 2023, Peguis First Nation became the first Indigenous community in Manitoba to exercise jurisdiction in relation to child and family services under their own child and family services law. This video, developed by Peguis, follows the journey of their community leaders, Elders, and members who brought this important legislation into force.
Wabaseemoong Coordination Agreement Signing
On March 10, 2022 Wabaseemoong Independent Nations signed a tripartite coordination agreement with the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario to support the implementation of their law, The Wabaseemoong Independent Nations Customary Care Code.
The Customary Care Code provides for the protection and healing of the Wabaseemoong Independent Nations' children and families, reinforces Anishinaabe ways of life by enabling children to connect with extended family and their totems or clans and preserves the children's connection to their culture.
Wabaseemoong Independent Nations celebrated the signing of the coordination agreement with singing, dance and inspiring speeches at an event in their community.
Our challenge
Indigenous children represent 53.8% of children in care, yet Indigenous children represent only 7.7% of the child population under the age of 15 within Canada. Too many First Nations, Inuit and Métis children are being removed from their families and communities and separated from their cultures and languages. This is impacting not only the lives of Indigenous children and youth, but the lives of future generations. Changing how child and family services are provided to First Nations, Inuit and Métis children is essential.
Supporting Indigenous-led solutions helps Indigenous children stay with their families, grow up in their communities and stay immersed in their cultures.
Our progress
Notices and requests related to An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families
Legislation to reduce the number of Indigenous children in foster care
In Canada, 53.8% of children in foster care are Indigenous, but account for only 7.7% of the child population.
The Government of Canada has co-developed, with Indigenous Peoples, provinces and territories, new legislation to reduce the number of Indigenous children and youth in care and improve child and family services.
Moving forward
As Indigenous governing bodies begin exercising jurisdiction over child and family services, more comprehensive, culturally-specific child and family services will be established across Canada.
The Government of Canada will continue to support First Nations, Inuit and Métis groups, communities and Peoples who enact their own child and family services laws and gain the force of federal law with the goal of reducing the number of Indigenous children in care.