Historic Agreement for Inuit-Led Child and Family Services in Canada
On September 30, 2024, a landmark agreement was signed in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, to support Inuit-led child and family services for Inuvialuit. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, alongside Northwest Territories Minister of Health and Social Services Lesa Semmler and Inuvialuit Regional Corporation CEO Duane Ningaqsiq Smith, celebrated this historic milestone on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The agreement aims to empower Inuvialuit communities to determine the best ways to care for their children, emphasizing cultural continuity and community ties.
The coordination agreement allows the Inuvialuit to exercise jurisdiction over their child and family services, marking a significant shift in governance. “Today, Inuvialuit reclaim what has always been inherently theirs—jurisdiction over their child and family services,” stated Minister Patty Hajdu. The agreement focuses on prevention and enhancing family support, ensuring that Inuvialuit children grow up immersed in their culture and surrounded by love.
Under this agreement, the Government of Canada will invest $533.5 million over ten years, beginning in the 2024-25 fiscal year. The Northwest Territories government will contribute $209,391 annually, adjusted for inflation. This funding will help implement the Inuvialuit Qitunrariit Inuuniarnikkun Maligaksat child and family services law, which came into effect in 2021, making the Inuvialuit the first Inuit group to enact their own child and family services law under the federal framework.
“For generations, governments have imposed systems that separated Indigenous children from their communities, causing deep harm and lasting trauma. Today, Inuvialuit reclaim what has always been inherently theirs – jurisdiction over their child and family services. This coordination agreement restores the rightful role of Inuvialuit in caring for their children, ensuring they grow up knowing who they are, surrounded by love, culture, and language,” The Hon. Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services.
Community involvement has been crucial in shaping this agreement. Extensive consultations with Inuvialuit communities informed the guiding principles of their child and family legislation, ensuring that the needs and values of the community are prioritized. Smith emphasized the agreement’s importance, saying, “This is an important step in acknowledging inherent Inuvialuit rights, enhancing our relationship with Canada, and ensuring our families can thrive.”
This historic coordination agreement not only aims to rectify the harms caused by past governmental practices but also sets a precedent for other Indigenous groups seeking jurisdiction over their child and family services. With ongoing investments and genuine collaboration, the agreement lays the groundwork for a brighter future for Inuvialuit children and families, aligning with their cultural identity and aspirations.
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