Big River hosts premiers, territorial leaders
- Kaitlynn Nordal | July 16, 2019
Earlier this month, Saskatchewan hosted the annual Conference of the Federation (COF) meetings in Saskatoon and Big River First Nation.
The COF meetings have been happening since 2004 to bring the Premieres of the Province’s and Territories together to discuss issues they deemed important for that year.
In conjunction with events surrounding this year’s COF, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Big River First Nation Chief Bruce Morin hosted Canada’s premiers and leaders of National Indigenous Organizations in Big River First Nation at the Sergeant Darby Morin Centre on July 9.
The meeting this year in Big River First Nation focused on priorities for advancing the well-being of Indigenous children, youth and families across Canada. They also discussed grassroots initiatives that are making a difference in the day-to-day lives of community members.
These meetings and discussions on the topic come only weeks after Bill C-92, an Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families received Royal Assent June 21, 2019. This piece of legislation focuses on First Nations jurisdiction over child welfare. It will also support First Nations governments in developing their own systems for First Nations child welfare.
“My community thrilled to host Premiers and National Indigenous Leaders at Big River First Nation. We our hospitality and shared our innovations during the meeting,” said Chief Morin in a press release.
During a July 2016 meeting with premieres and territorial leaders, Assembly of First National (AFN) Chief Perry Bellegarde received a commitment from them to work alongside First Nations communities in their regions on new tactics for First Nations child and family services that would emphasize prevention instead of apprehension of children. The agreement included supporting solutions and systems designed and acted upon by First Nations communities. They also agreed to work with First Nations on new approaches to reduce the number of First Nations children in care.
“I attended roundtable discussion to ensure First Nations are involved in any discussions and decisions regarding our most valued, our children and families,” said Chief Perry Bellegarde in a statement on July 8th.
Bellegarde thinks this meeting was important if this new legislation is going to be rolled out as best it can.
“This is the first meeting of premiers and territorial leaders since the passing of new federal legislation that’s essential to the well-being of our children. This requires support, cooperation and coordination between all governments and First Nations to ensure respect and safety of our children. No child can be overlooked or left behind. I am seeking a commitment from all provinces and territories for this important work,” he stated.
Saskatchewan Premiere Scott Moe hopes the meeting is a step in the right direction.
“I was thrilled bringing Premiers and leaders of Canada’s National Indigenous Organizations to Big River First Nation, the first time this meeting held on a First Nation,” he stated. “This meeting a forum for leaders to collaborate on how we can support our Indigenous families, children, and youth across the country, and how we can work to replicate successes like those of Big River First Nation in communities around Canada.”