Driftpile Cree Nation, Canada Sign Child Services Pact
Today, Chief Dwayne Laboucan, the elected Council of Driftpile Cree Nation, and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Federal Minister of Indigenous Services, signed a service delivery agreement affirming Driftpile Cree Nation’s inherent right to self-governance over its children, youth, and families. This agreement supports the implementation of Driftpile Cree Nation’s Mihtatakaw Sîpiy Awasak Wiyasiwêwin (Driftpile River Children’s Law), using the framework provided by An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.
This agreement honours Driftpile Cree Nation’s jurisdiction over the delivery of programs and services required for the safety and well-being of their children and families. Canada looks forward to joining Driftpile Cree Nation in a cultural ceremony to celebrate this historic achievement in the coming months.
Driftpile Cree Nation, through its Children’s Lodge, the Chief Kinosêw Awasak Mîkiwâhp (CKAM), will deliver wholistic, wrap around prevention, protection and, support services for young adults to all of it’s approximately 3,237 members living in Driftpile Cree Nation and across Alberta. Signing the agreement is a collaborative effort rooted in the shared understanding that their Nation’s children will thrive within their families, community and culture.
Over the coming 4 years, Canada will provide $16.4M, in base funding per year adjusted annually based on inflation and population growth. In addition, Canada is contributing funding for facilities to support the new child and family services program. In the absence of funding from Alberta, Canada will also provide funding for a twenty-four month period to support children who do not reside in Driftpile Cree Nation.
Supported by this agreement, Driftpile Cree Nation will commence its work on March 17, 2025, to implement its Law along with a new, customary program and service delivery model that was developed collaboratively with members and will be carried out by CKAM. While Driftpile children and families are strong, when they do need help, the Nation will be there. CKAM will work with the community and wrap-around families like a warm blanket. As has always been done, Kohkoms, Mosoms, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and the community at large will help play a key role in the delivery of all CKAM programs and services. Together, through CKAM, the Nation we will offer food, clothing, shelter, compassion, love, and hope, so that its children and families can be healthy, strong and safe.
By supporting Indigenous Peoples to lead the transformation of child and family services within their own territories, we collectively help to ensure that both present and future generations of Indigenous children and their families flourish and prosper together.
https://www.canada.ca/en/indigenous-services-canada/news/2025/02/driftpile-cree-nation-signs-agreement-with-canada-supporting-first-nations-jurisdiction-over-child-and-family-services.html