On Air Now Vuntat Njiik Nakaii - Gwitchin Language Radio Show Noon - 3:00pm

Now Playing hosted by legendary Ben "Chuck" Charlie Vuntat Njiik Nakaii

Listen Live

Legislation Announced to Address Indigenous Child and Family Services in Canada

Friday, 30 November 2018 15:38

The legislation will follow principles set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Photo courtesy of United Nations)

The announcement came from multiple Indigenous leaders and representatives today.

The Government of Canada and Indigenous leaders across Canada have announced co-developed legislation to tackle over-representation of Indigenous children in foster care homes.

The announcement came today from Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed, Indigenous Services Minister Jane Philpott, Assembly of First Nations Chief Perry Bellegarde and Metis National Council President Clement Chartier.

According to the press release, Indigenous children represent over 52% of foster care in private homes in Canada, and the legislation reforms will focus more on Indigenous culture and identity currently absent from Canadian law.

The legislation would also affirm Aboriginal and Treaty Rights as set out in the United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and would let Indigenous peoples' more freely determine their own laws, policies and practices.

During the crafting of the legislation, more than 65 engagement sessions were conducted with around 2000 participants.

The federal legislation will be introduced in early 2019 and Minister Philpott says "the status quo is not acceptable... this proposed legislation will reaffirm the rights of Indigenous children".

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruled in 2016 that Canada's First Nations Child and Family Services Program was discriminatory, and ordered the Canadian Government to address the issue.

More from CHON-FM Northern News

B.C. man, two Watson Lake residents arrested on warrants in Whitehorse

All three charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possess a loaded prohibited firearm, and possession of property obtained by crime.
Ross River RCMP arrest two men in separate, unrelated investigations involving stolen rifles

Robert Power and Michael Bondarchuk were arrested on February 19, and will appear in court on March 6.
Medical Staff Association president raise "significant concerns" surrounding acute care at Whitehorse General

Health leaders respond with intended actions to improve recruitment and address staffing shortages.
Whitehorse count indicates 83 per cent of homeless in 2024 were Indigenous

Safe at Home recommends policy changes in various government departments.
Whitehorse RCMP seek public's help in locating missing 73-year-old man

Mr. McLeod is described as being approximately 5'10" tall, with hazel eyes, grey hair, and a medium build.
CYFN opens new wellness centre in Whistle Bend

New facility provides temporary housing with a 32-bed capacity, as well as Indigenous-led programming for women and children.
'Old Crow a Philosophy' makes global premiere at YAC

The 47-minute film tells the story of how the young people of Old Crow conceived and brought into being the largest solar power installation in Canada’s north.
Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association cancels events for 2025, including Adäka Festival

The Adäka Cultural Festival, which has been running annually since 2011, brings together Indigenous artists from the Yukon, Alaska, and the Northwest Territories.
Whitehorse residents and Yukon NDP speak out against a proposed transit fare hike

The City of Whitehorse's 2025 Operating Budget proposes a 40% increase for transit fare, bringing the cost of a single ticket up from $2.50 to $3.50
UPDATED: Whitehorse General Hospital unable to sterilize surgical instruments; cancels surgeries

Yukon Hospitals says that a systemic review of the situation is underway.
Diane Strand wins Haines Junction mayoral byelection

Strand's victory is seen as a significant win for the community, particularly given her Indigenous heritage, as she becomes the first Indigenous mayor of Haines Junction.
Copper Haul Road closure announced for bridge repairs

The repairs are necessary for the Sima Creek and Wolf Creek bridges, and are weather-dependent.
Yukon Government and Canadian Government partner to boost local businesses

This funding will help build a robust angel investor ecosystem in the territory, providing entrepreneurs with financial backing, mentorship, and access to networks.
Whitehorse RCMP investigate vehicle that entered open water on Lake Laberge

Police say that two of the three occupants of the vehicle were able to make it out of the vehicle safely.
Yukon NDP hosts virtual mining discussion

Panelist and former Yukon Conservation Society Analyst says that the Yukon is "woefully behind on land use planning."
Chief Superintendent Lindsay Ellis Becomes Yukon RCMP M Division's First Female Commanding Officer

She's fostered genuine relationships with Yukon First Nations and diverse groups, promoting collaboration and communication across the territory.
Yukon Ombudsman threatens legal action in response to finance minister's meddling

The government's actions are a departure from the legislated budgeting process
Families sue Yukon Government and Connective after loved ones die at downtown shelter

The lawsuits claim that the shelter's lack of proper policies and trained staff contributed to the women's deaths.
Multi-Vehicle Collision Closes Alaska Highway, Multiple Injuries Reported

Five people travelling in the pickup truck were transported to hospital with minor injuries
Daughter demands answers after second family member dies at 405 Alexander

Bailey's biological father also died at the shelter in 2021, and she claims that the shelter's staff provided conflicting accounts of the circumstances surrounding the death of her stepfather.