In this Brief, Scott Franks examines the significance of Cook et al v Manitoba (Misipawistik), where the Court recognized that First Nations in Manitoba hold an Aboriginal right to self-government over child welfare and child and family services under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
The 2024–2025 federal budget includes significant new allocations for Indigenous communities, but chronic shortfalls and a paternalistic financial relationship remain.
A Decade of Disappointment: Reconciliation & the System of a Crown Read More »
In mid-July, after years of Human Rights Tribunal Rulings, litigation and negotiation, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) announced an agreement with Canada aiming to end discrimination against First Nation children in the child welfare system. AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak hailed the agreement as a turning point and thanked the “Government for coming
The SCC has decided that Indigenous peoples’ inherent right to self-government over child and family services is constitutional. What does this mean for self-government?
The Supreme Court of Canada’s Child Welfare Ruling: Short and Long-Term Implications Read More »
2022 was a year of tremendous change for Indigenous child welfare in law and policy. But there is still so much to do. How can we hold Canada accountable for ongoing challenges? Naiomi Metallic proposes a new path forward.
Accountability Mechanisms for Child Welfare Advocacy: An Interview with Naiomi Metallic Read More »
The long-fought for child welfare compensation settlement agreement has recently been rejected by the Human Rights Tribunal. What does this mean for the future of the settlement agreement?
The Assembly of First Nations & the Failure of the Child Welfare Settlement Agreement Read More »