Federal legislation recognizing First Nations jurisdiction over children and families will take effect next year.
BC First Nations are welcoming the announcement that Bill C-92 will come into full force January 1.
The First Nations Leadership Council says the change is long overdue and will begin to address the crisis that exists in child welfare for First Nations children and families.
“First Nations in British Columbia have always taken the position that supporting our children and families is part of our inherent rights as the First peoples of British Columbia, and as First Nations. We have been waiting for this legal affirmation of our rights for a long time”, said Cheryl Casimer of the First Nations Summit in a news release.
Casimer says the leadership has been pushing Canada for the immediate and full bringing into force of the legislation since it received Royal Assent June 21, 2019.
