London, Ontario October 23rd, 2024 – A decision at the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), in which Nations from the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI) was in attendance, came to a disappointing conclusion that may see a lengthy delay when it comes to the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program, when chiefs voted not to approve a 10 year 47.8 billion dollar Final Agreement on Long Term Reform of child welfare.
Grand Chief Joel Abram says “This recent gathering was hoped to mark a turning point as we were supporting the Final Agreement, unfortunately it was a moment where Nations could not come to an agreement to approve it. I can understand the perspective that others have and respect the decision of the leadership. The majority wanted to go with a different approach. That being said we will continue to support any effort to end discrimination against First Nations children in the area of child welfare, whether on or off-reserve. We will continue to support the efforts of our member nations to reform child welfare, reduce the number of kids in care, supporting families through a focus on prevention, and supporting the jurisdiction of our nations over the welfare of their children, and finally to obtain the resources to do so in order to achieve substantive equality.”.
Deputy Grand Chief Stacia Loft says “We have to keep in mind that first, and foremost, that this is for the rights of the First Nations children and families. A new system needs to be forged that will respect and comply with the Nations and cultures within this country especially when it comes to Indigenous children and families. It is my hope that those that have opposing views can reconcile or come to an agreement that can benefit our Peoples”.
In moving forward AIAI shall work together with other Nations and other PTO’s when it comes to the FNCFS Program.
SPECIAL CHIEFS ASSEMBLY ENDS IN A DISAPPOINTING DECISION
