CANADA, SASKATCHEWAN AND FIRST NATIONS IN SASKATCHEWAN SIGN HISTORIC CHILD WELFARE FRAMEWORK

Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians together with Saskatchewan Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer and Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Vice Chief Guy Lonechild today announced an historic framework for First Nations child and family services in Saskatchewan.

"The agreement we are signing today is an example of our government's commitment to work with stakeholders to build healthier, stronger First Nations communities," said Strahl. "This new approach will help to ensure First Nations families in Saskatchewan receive the support and services they need before they reach crisis."

The Government of Canada has invested $104.8 million in new funding to the Saskatchewan child and family services framework over five years. This investment provides First Nations agencies with new resources that identify a family's need before a child is removed from the family home.

"Together with our federal and First Nations partners, we share a commitment to ensuring Saskatchewan children grow up happy and healthy in a safe, nurturing environment," Harpauer said. "This investment will allow us to support families at-risk by providing services and tools to help them to care for their children."

"Now with the announcement of prevention funding the First Nations Child and Family Service Agencies can start to work toward a truly positive change," Lonechild said. "And will finally be able to look at other answers beside apprehension services to support children and families."

This framework with the province and First Nations in Saskatchewan is an effective model for other provinces and First Nations agencies that may wish to discuss similar arrangements for an enhanced prevention-focused approach.

It shares the vision of the Alberta Response Mode. The tripartite agreement signed in Alberta last year ensures First Nations families receive appropriate child and family services in a timely manner.

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For more information, contact:

Josee Bellemare
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Ottawa
Phone: 819-997-0002

Debbie Clark
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8689

Mervin Brass
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-956-1026

Media Relations
Ottawa
Phone: 819-953-1160