Squamish Nation demands consultation on child services agreement in North Vancouver
- The Squamish Nation demands immediate consultation on the draft Final Settlement Agreement for First Nations Child and Family Services.
- Concerns include lack of direct input from First Nations, inadequate funding, and vague decision-making processes.
- The Nation threatens legal action if the government does not respond to their request for consultation within five business days.
On October 16, 2024, in North Vancouver, British Columbia, the Squamish Nation publicly demanded that the Government of Canada engage in immediate consultations regarding the draft Final Settlement Agreement (FSA) related to First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS). The Nation criticized the lack of direct consultation with First Nations rightsholders, arguing that the agreement was developed without their input and could perpetuate systemic discrimination against First Nations children and families. The FSA, which was signed by several organizations including the Assembly of First Nations and the Government of Canada, aims to address issues identified by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal but has been deemed insufficient by the Squamish Nation. They raised concerns about inadequate funding, vague decision-making processes, and the absence of enforceable mechanisms to prevent future discrimination. The Squamish Nation has requested a response from Canada within five business days, threatening legal action if their demands for consultation are not met. This situation highlights ongoing tensions between First Nations and the Canadian government regarding child welfare and the need for equitable treatment and resources for Indigenous communities.