Simpcw First Nation and Province Enter First-of-its-Kind Partnership to Bring Supports to Members Living Away from Home

A new, first-of-its-kind, partnership aims to keep members of the Simpcw First Nation living away from home connected to their culture and supports.

Its an expansion of an agreement signed last April which made the Nation the first in BC to co-create a child welfare agreement with the Province.

Under the new partnership, Nation members living away from home will have access to the same services as those living in Simpcw communities.

Those include: prevention and early intervention supports, family support and cultural services, and wellness activities.

Members will also be able to access counselling, light housekeeping, respite, food and clothing vouchers, and more.

Services can be accessed through the Nation’s satellite offices in Prince George and New Westminster over the next two years.

It could pave the way for similar partnerships with other Nations, as the province continues work on co-developing a model to support First Nations’ jurisdiction over child and family services.