Press Release
From: Indigenous Services Canada
September 12, 2024
Galgapothla: standing together, holding hands, lifting each other up
In a historic ceremony held today in Port Hardy, B.C., home of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations, Chief Leslie Walkus of Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw First Nations and Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Council members, alongside the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, and the Honourable Grace Lore, B.C. Minister of Children and Family Development, signed a coordination agreement to affirm and restore jurisdiction over children and families. This agreement shows a change in the tide for Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw children and families, community, culture and people. This collaborative effort is rooted in the shared understanding that Indigenous children and families should flourish within their communities, surrounded by the embrace of loved ones and the richness of their cultures.
Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations are deeply committed to preserving their language and culture and have woven these principles into the very fabric of the Aux’stila du gingananam Child and Family Protection and Support Law, meaning “taking care of our children.” Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations are reconnecting children and youth to their families, teaching them that they belong, and rooting them to their Nation where children are “dlugwe,” meaning treasures from heaven and “kwa’layu,” grandparents’ reason for living. The Aux’stila du gingananam Child and Family Protection and Support Law is built on this foundation, and amplifies the strength of extended families.
The coordination agreement outlines a common understanding, the specific roles and responsibilities of all parties, and solidifies a shared commitment to facilitate the seamless coordination of services for children, youth and families via the Galgapothla Family Services Society. The agreement also addresses the fiscal aspects of delivering child and family services, articulating guiding principles for future financial arrangement. Canada has committed to provide $105.8 million over the 10 years of the agreement. British Columbia has committed to providing $4.7 million, subject to annual adjustments to account for inflation.
Indigenous Peoples taking back ownership over their child and family services, ensures that both present and future generations of Indigenous children and their families flourish and prosper together, and that past experiences are honored and respected.
Quotes
“As Chief, my number one priority for Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation is to reduce the number of children in the provincial system of care, and reclaiming the “lost ones.” The Aux’stila du gingananam Law enforces the fundamental belief that our children and families find hope in our culture and traditions that have guided us from time immemorial. I am proud of our Jurisdiction team and all of the government teams who worked hard to get this done. We are really looking forward to working together.”
Chief Leslie Walkus,
Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations
“For decades, governments separated First Nations children from their families and communities, causing grief, trauma and endless sorrow. Today’s agreement restores Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations inherent right to care for their children and families, surrounded by love, language and culture. Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw children will grow up knowing who they are and where they belong.”
The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services
“This agreement is a pivotal step in Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations’ journey to reestablish their rightful role, and the role of their laws, in caring for their own children and families. Through resilience, they have overcome so much, and by staying rooted in their distinct beliefs, cultural practices and laws, and re-asserting jurisdiction, they are lifting up their community and their families today and into the future.”
The Honourable Grace Lore
British Columbia Minister of Children and Family Development
Quick facts
Associated links
Contacts
For more information, media may contact:
Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations
Charlotte (Salla) Sukow,
Executive Director, Galgapothla Family Services Society
Child and Family Services Jurisdiction Project Manager
(250) 230-2786
salla_sukow@gnhfs.com
Jennifer Kozelj
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
jennifer.kozelj@sac-isc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
819-953-1160
media@sac-isc.gc.ca
Media Relations
B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development
250-883-6265
ashley.williams@gov.bc.ca
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