Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations reach historic agreement with Canada and British Columbia to support First Nations-led child and family services

On September 12, 2024, the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations signed a historic agreement with Canada and British Columbia to regain jurisdiction over child and family services. This agreement is a significant step towards ensuring that Indigenous children and families thrive within their communities, emphasizing the importance of cultural identity and familial connections. The Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations are dedicated to preserving their language and culture, which is reflected in their child protection laws. The agreement includes a commitment of $105.8 million from Canada over the next decade, aimed at supporting the implementation of Indigenous-led child and family services. This funding is part of a broader initiative to empower Indigenous communities to take ownership of their child welfare systems, ensuring that both current and future generations can flourish. The agreement acknowledges the historical injustices faced by Indigenous families and aims to honor their past experiences. The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, highlighted the importance of this agreement in restoring the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations' inherent rights. The collaborative effort is rooted in the belief that Indigenous children should be cared for within their cultural context, surrounded by love and support from their communities. The agreement is seen as a pivotal moment in the journey of these Nations to reclaim their rightful role in child welfare. British Columbia's Indigenous Self-Government in Child and Family Services Amendment Act, passed in November 2022, laid the groundwork for this agreement, making B.C. the first province in Canada to recognize Indigenous self-governance in this area. This historic agreement marks a new chapter in the relationship between Indigenous communities and the government, focusing on self-determination and cultural preservation.