Explore this curated selection of videos, each offering a valuable resource presenting diverse perspectives and engaging discussions on pertinent topics.
Witness the deeply moving personal narratives and heartfelt reflections of Indigenous individuals as they share the emotional impact of the Sturgeon Lake Law on their lives and communities.
Explore the bonds of kinship and solidarity within Indigenous communities as they come together to discuss the significance of the Sturgeon Lake Law and its implications for the collective well-being of their people.
Gain insights into the pragmatic considerations and logistical challenges faced by Indigenous leaders as they strategize and plan for the effective implementation of the Sturgeon Lake Law within Sturgeon Lake.
In this section, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions regarding the Nation’s plans to restore Child and Family Services jurisdiction, our new draft Child & Family Services Law – Namês Sâkahikan Sitoskatowin – and the federal Act (Bill C-92) which is helping enable many of our efforts. It covers topics such as its objectives and goals, plans for community engagement, and practical considerations for our Nation as we complete this important work. Explore our FAQ to gain a deeper understanding of this transformative project.
Read answers to some frequently asked questions below:
Bill C-92, now known as the “An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children, youth and families,” is a federal law that came into force on January 1, 2020. Its primary objective is to affirm the rights of Indigenous peoples in matters relating to child and family services. The law creates a process for Indigenous Nations to affirm, assert, and exercise their inherent rights and legal jurisdiction over their children, youth, and families. It enables Nations to develop and pass their own child and family services law, and then enter into legal agreements (a Coordination Agreement and Fiscal Agreement) that set out the details of how jurisdiction will transfer away from the old provincial / federal systems and into the Nation’s complete control.
The right to have control over the care and decision making for Sturgeon Lake children, youth, and families is one that was never ceded to the provincial or federal government, and Bill C-92 creates a clear pathway for that control to be restored back to the Nation. Furthermore, Bill C-92 creates an opportunity for SLCN to create better outcomes for our people – by reimagining and redefining how we care for our own children and families in our own traditional and customary ways. We have the opportunity to create our own Sturgeon Lake CFS Law, as well as brand new programs and services that truly reflect the ways of our Nation and the vision of our people. By taking control, we can finally focus on the health, well-being, and success of our children and families, whether they live on or off-reserve, instead of the removal of children and youth from their families, culture, and community.
Across Canada, there are now 10 First Nations and Inuit laws on child and family services that have come into force, including in Alberta. And there are now over 100 Nations across Canada who have provided notice of their intent to move on this pathway.
On February 9, 2024, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in favour of the constitutionality of Bill C-92.
The federal government provides capacity, development, and operational funding for all stages of our law development, community engagement, and system planning. The provincial government may provide additional funding for the implementation of our plans.
This project is a significant undertaking, and to get it right we need as much direction from our Elders, members and families as possible. Already, we have undertaken multiple on-and-off reserve engagement sessions, including First Readings of our draft law in Grande Prairie, Whitecourt, Edmonton, and here on the Nation.
In the months ahead, we will be seeking as much input as possible on the law, including online meetings, targeted meetings, and surveys, before completing our final readings in June (Link to Upcoming Events).
At those final readings in June, all members will have the opportunity to vote on the final draft of our law.
All members have the opportunity to attend our meetings, provide their feedback, or reach out directly with your thoughts and ideas.
Have questions about the Sturgeon Lake’s new proposed Law: Namês Sâkahikan Sitoskatowin, or want to get involved in supporting the affirmation of ourrights and sovereignty over SLCN Children and Families? Reach out to us! Our dedicated team is here to hear your ideas assist you with any inquiries.
