Carrier Sekani Family Services is applauding a commitment from Ottawa to provide $47.8 billion in funding for long-term reform of First Nations child and family services.
The proposed funding, announced by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), represents an increase from the initial commitment of $19.807 billion in 2021.
Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) states its share of the proposed funding "will significantly alleviate roadblocks in providing services to the Nations we serve, and is a significant step forward in reconciliation and providing justice for First Nations children and families."
CSFS notes it has been operating without adequate funding since it launched in 1990. If the funding comes through, it will enable the organization to enhance capacity as it provides culturally appropriate services and programs.
“Our top priority at CSFS is to ensure that First Nations children have a safe place to grow and thrive, which has been difficult without adequate funding,” says Warner Adam, chief executive officer of CSFS. “In order to thrive, children need to grow up rooted in their culture. CSFS is in a good position to work with communities to overhaul the child welfare system and ensure that the revised system is based on healing citizens, care for children, and strengthening the family unit as opposed to the existing punitive system. However, we require proper funding to build adequate infrastructure for child development and create healing spaces for our people.”
The AFN will meet with First Nations leaders at regional engagement sessions in July, August and September, to hear views and discuss details of the draft settlement agreement.
A Special Chiefs Assembly will then be held in September for deliberations on reforms of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program and to vote on the proposed measures.
CSFS board president Chief Priscilla Mueller of Saik’uz First Nation says that this increase in funding is a major step in helping Indigenous communities in their healing journeys.
“This funding isn’t just about dollars – it’s a lifeline for Indigenous communities; it’s about justice, and the well-being of our children and families,” states Mueller. “This marks a significant milestone on our journey towards reconciliation.”
"Carrier Sekani Family Services extends its sincere appreciation to the AFN and Cindy Blackstock for their hard work in fighting for fair and adequate care for First Nations people in Canada," states the press release. "Together, we are creating spaces for our people to ground themselves in their culture and, as a result, to heal."
