(Photo: Pipikwan Pêhtâkwan/Elizabeth Bunny)

By Josh Hall

Louis Bull First Nation signs historic child welfare agreement with feds

Feb 2, 2023 | 5:54 AM

RED DEER, AB – An Alberta First Nation north of Red Deer signed an agreement with Ottawa on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, giving it the autonomy to administer its child welfare.

Louis Bull Tribe at Maskwacis becomes the first in the province to sign such a bilateral agreement. In this case, the province is not involved.

In 2022, Louis Bull’s child welfare organization said Alberta wasn’t co-operating and didn’t want to sign the agreement. As of the afternoon of February 1, The Canadian Press said the province had not responded to its request for comment.

In full, the accord is known as the Louis Bull Tribe – Asikiw Mostos O’Pikinawasiwin (AMO) Society – Canada Child and Family Services Bilateral Agreement. It means Louis Bull will receive $124.8 million over two years to support implementation of the AMO.

It was signed by Chief Desmond Bull, Louis Bull Tribe, and Catherine Lappe, the Assistant Deputy Minister at Indigenous Services Canada, on behalf of Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services.

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“Our children are sacred. The signing of this agreement with the Government of Canada to support the Asikiw Mostos O’Pikinawasiwin law will strengthen our communities and ensure the best possible care for our children and youth,” said Chief Desmond Bull.

“We always think with seven generations in mind and this law will ensure that those generations will grow up immersed in culture and our Tribe’s ways of being. We have always governed ourselves with the sovereignty given to us by Creator and we will continue to provide a safe, secure, peaceful, healthy, caring and prosperous environment for our Peoples. hiy hiy.”

Minister Hajdu also issued comment, saying that Louis Bull is leading the way to a better future for their families and children.

“Today your law, Asikiw Mostos O’Pikinawasiwin, means you are beginning a new path that will result in happier and healthier families and children rooted in their community and culture, language, traditions, and values,” said Hajdu.

“Canada’s colonial reality has harmed too many people over generations, but today Canada and Louis Bull Tribe have a new path forward together. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who helped make today’s milestone a reality.”

Ottawa passed legislation necessary to make this happen in 2020 with a focus on prevention so families can receive support to remain together.

Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan was the first to sign the agreement in 2021, and dozens of others across the country are waiting.

A release from Indigenous Services Canada further explained that the agreement shifts focus to prevention and early intervention, and also ensures that Louis Bull children receive culturally appropriate child and family services and grow up immersed in their communities, languages and cultures.

Wherever there is a conflict of law―federal, provincial, municipal, or another First Nation―this Asikiw Mostos O’pikinawasiwin Law is paramount, a release continues.

It said that reducing the number of Indigenous children in care remains a priority for AMO Society, with the support from the Government of Canada.

(with files from The Canadian Press)