Anishinabe Child and Family Services (ACFS), West Region Child and Family Services (WRCFS), Interlake Reserves Tribal Council (IRTC) and First Nations in Treaty 2 Territory (FNT2T) met today to establish a collaborative strategy to:
- ensure member citizens are aware of available programs, services and support resources within FNT2T, regions and agencies;
- determine where gaps need to be addressed and what additional programs, services and support resources may be required for wellbeing and healing due to the root cause of colonization: and
- determine what discussions will be required between FNT2T Government and Canada in relation to reconciliation, rights and recognition and nation rebuilding in order to obtain the additional programs, services and support resources required for wellbeing and healing to be made available to FNT2T through the regional and agency offices.
Available programs, services and support resources required for wellbeing and healing of children, families and Nations through the regions, agencies and others will be compiled and made available as an information resource. This will be made available shortly on our website, and region and agency websites as well. Hardcopies will also be made available.
Efforts will be carried out in order to:
- address the stigma and stereotyping that may occur when FNT2T members access programs, services and support resources;
- provide resource referral services;
- provide access to indigenous appropriate crisis counselling (phone/online/texting); and
- establish emergency response teams in each local Nation.
The Government of Canada says it is committed to working to advance reconciliation and renew the relationship with Indigenous peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. This is why the local Nations of FNT2T have come together to create a FNT2T collective Government; to ensure Canada does advance reconciliation so that our Nations, families, and children’s wellbeing is healed and restored so that we can all achieve a good life now and for the generations to come.
The Government of Canada announced in July 2017 that:
1. All relations with Indigenous peoples need to be based on the recognition and implementation of their right to self-determination, including the inherent right of self-government.
2. Reconciliation is a fundamental purpose of section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
3. The honour of the Crown guides the conduct of the Crown in all of its dealings with Indigenous peoples.
4. Indigenous self-government is part of Canada’s evolving system of cooperative federalism and distinct orders of government.
5. Treaties, agreements, and other constructive arrangements between Indigenous peoples and the Crown have been and are intended to be acts of reconciliation based on mutual recognition and respect.
6. Meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples aims to secure their free, prior, and informed consent when Canada proposes to take actions which impact them and their rights on their lands, territories, and resources.
7. Respecting and implementing rights is essential and that any infringement of section 35 rights must by law meet a high threshold of justification which includes Indigenous perspectives and satisfies the Crown’s fiduciary obligations.
8. Reconciliation and self-government require a renewed fiscal relationship, developed in collaboration with Indigenous nations, that promotes a mutually supportive climate for economic partnership and resource development.
9. Reconciliation is an ongoing process that occurs in the context of evolving Indigenous-Crown relationships.
10. A distinctions-based approach is needed to ensure that the unique rights, interests and circumstances of the First Nations, the Métis Nation and Inuit are acknowledged, affirmed, and implemented.
Last modified: September 12, 2019
