First Nations Chiefs across the country are being asked to vote on the draft Final Settlement Agreement on the long-term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program.
Tsilhqot’in National Government is deeply concerned by the implications of this proposed agreement between the Assembly of First Nations and Canada.
The TNG said once ratified, this agreement would remove the legal orders issued by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal that currently hold Canada accountable to discrimination against First Nations children.
TNG Chief Joe Alphonse said that has to be included, that has been part of a court decision so why would you surrender that?
The Tsilhqot’in National Government said rulings from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal recognized the discrimination perpetrated against First Nations children for decades and that this agreement does not meet Tsilhqot’in standards as a final settlement.
Joe Alphonse said he doesn’t think it does enough to protect the interest of the child and people that were in care.
He said he would like to see a new group appointed that would include Cindy Blackstock.
“She was the original person that started this fight,” Aphonse said, “and she was not included in this to begin with. I think she would be key in this and therefore we propose that everyone not support this proposed settlement.”
The Assembly of First Nations Special Assembly is taking place now (October 15) through Friday.
“Let’s work together, be inclusive, get the experts in the room and all roll up our sleeves to help get this on track,” Alphonse said.
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