Simpcw First Nation, province sign historic child welfare agreement

CHU CHUA, B.C. — The Simpcw First Nation has signed an historic agreement with the provincial government, integrating the Indigenous nation’s “unique practices, customs, laws, language and traditions” into its child welfare matrix.

The legally-binding arrangement signed Tuesday (Apr. 12) is titled Tcwesétmentem: Walking Together Agreement. It will help govern the protection, planning and placement of Simpcw children who are involved in the child welfare system — and is the first agreement of its kind in B.C.

Kukpi7 Shelly Loring calls it an interim step toward implementing her nation’s inherent jurisdiction over the child protection system.

“I feel a great sense of pride after a long journey with the Ministry of Children and Family Development to reach this agreement,” said Loring in a news release. “I felt our ancestors guiding us in the creation of this new relationship that significantly changes practice and ensures our Nation’s support for the well- being of our members across British Columbia.”

“It is our commitment to work with Indigenous communities to honour and affirm their inherent right to support and protect their children and families in ways that are aligned with their Nation’s beliefs, cultural practices, traditions and laws,” added Children and Family Development Minister Mitzi Dean.

CFJC Today will have a full report on today’s historic agreement later this afternoon.