Get the 2012-2013 report - Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta

FORMAL ADHESIONS & SIGNATORIES (cont.):
• July 17, 1899 Smith’s Landing • July 25 & 27, 1899 Fond du Lac
• Aug 14, 1899 Fort McMurray • Aug 14, 1899 Wapiscow Lake • May 30, 1900 Fort St. John, B.C.
Canada and the First Nations Historical Timeline
Child, FAMILY & Youth Services:
ARLENE THUNDER
CFS Coordinator
The disproportionate numbers of First Nations children, youth and families
involved in the child intervention system continues to increase in Alberta.
There are now 68% of Aboriginal children and youth in care in Alberta. 55%
of these cases are First Nations children and youth. Research conducted by
the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada discovered that there are
more children in care across Canada than there ever was during the Indian
Residential School era. The current child intervention system is not meeting
the unique needs of our First Nation children, youth and families therefore, it
is imperative that we develop a different system that is based on First Nations
values, beliefs, language, traditions and governance models. The Assembly of
Treaty Chiefs continues to hold Alberta and Canada accountable to address
the over-representation of our children in care.
In September 2012 the Assembly of Treaty Chiefs passed a resolution giving
the Grand Chiefs the mandate to “establish a specific process and/or a sub-agreement on child and
family services” with the Minister of Human Services. The development of an MOU is no longer the
focus of this process.
As a result of this the new directive from the Chiefs, work has been underway to develop a new
process. A process that is transparent, open, accountable, fair and inclusive. Treaty No. 6, Treaty No.
7 and Treaty No. 8 PTO’s secured funding for a Child and Family Services Coordinator position to
provide assistance and support to the PTO’s, Delegated First Nation Agencies and communities in the
development of a Strategic Action Plan that will address the longstanding child and family issues that
are impacting First Nation member children, youth and families in achieving better outcomes while in
the care of a child intervention agency. This action plan will be developed in 2013-2014 fiscal year and
will be done in collaboration with Elders, Delegated First Nation Agencies and community stakeholders.
The following is the progress made with respect to the work undertaken in 2012-13 on the Child and
Family Services Engagement Process. The work is subject to approval by the Senior Officials Steering
Committee (SOSC). This process has been endorsed by the Elected Officials of all parties.
The trilateral process is now referred to as the CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES ENGAGEMENT
PROCESS (CFS Engagement Process). A structure for the CFS Engagement Process has been
proposed. It is as follows:
• Elected Officials – Grand Chiefs, Chiefs, Ministers
• Senior Officials Steering Committee (SOSC) – Treaty No. 6, Treaty No. 7, Treaty No.8
CEO’s, Alberta Assistant Deputy Ministers, AANDC RDG.
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