With everyone celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day, there is further cause for celebration.
The passing of the long-awaited Bill C-92 was confirmed yesterday (Thursday).
“It’s especially wonderful. I’m just very proud today and looking forward to doing the best work we can for our children, not only for children today but those who aren’t yet born are depending on us,” Mary Teegee, Executive Director of Child and Family for Carrier Sekani Family Services told MyPGNow.
“Bill C-92 finally recognizes that the jurisdiction for our children and families rests with First nations; our families are coming home to where they have belonged, with us.”
Entitled “An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Children, Youth and Families” affirms the groups’ right of self-government recognized by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 and includes jurisdiction with regards to child and family services.
The Act gives indigenous groups, community, or people to exercise its legislative authority and enforce its own laws.
Teegee notes that while the passing of the bill is a substantial step, the bill doesn’t provide for an equitable and statutory funding base which is fundamental to ensure the wellbeing of Indigenous children and families.
In a release by Carrier Sekani Family Services, the bill was predominantly drafted by the Government of Canada, however, it was intended to be a “co-developed” bill with Indigenous groups.
Once the bill is given Royal Assent, it will hand over jurisdiction of children in care to Indigenous people. It will also recognize Indigenous law over federal and provincial laws, and even allow Indigenous organizations the ability to take over child welfare systems.
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