The ALIGN Association of Community Services has been awarded a grant from the University of Manitoba’s National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to host Empowering Futures: A Gathering for Indigenous Child Welfare Sovereignty.
Empowering Futures aims to support the well-being of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit children, youth, families and communities by promoting healing and remembrance in alignment with truth and reconciliation efforts through dialogue and information sharing.
Tanya Tourangeau, the Reconciliation Strategist Consultant for ALIGN says this event is about bringing Indigenous people and non-Indigenous agencies together.
This is the first year ALIGN is hosting this event, Reconciliation Strategist Consultant Tanya Tourangeau said this event is in reaction to the Supreme Court passing the act that uplifted the federal government’s right to transfer jurisdiction to First Nation, Metis and Inuit.
When asked about what the goal of the event is, Tourangeau said ALIGN hopes to facilitate communication between Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants to foster a collaborative environment.
Tourangeau expressed there is no template for assuming jurisdiction because it’s a brand new process, she hopes that with this event participants can share their lessons learned, collaborate and jointly work as a team to ensure the transition of Indigenous children back home is smooth, meaningful and supported along with allowing communities to come together.
Tourangeau put a emphasis on learning from other organizations and provinces that have already assumed jurisdiction. She shared that the Manitoba government has contracted the Manitoba Metis Federation to take care of non-Indigenous children in care because of the great work they are doing. Tourangeau stated it’s a great outcome and business model for Alberta to learn from.
When asked how this event advances reconciliation, Tourangeau said one act of reconciliation is allowing Indigenous people to be in charge of programming in the child welfare system.
Tourangeau said a good example of allowing Indigenous peoples to incorporate their practices into the child welfare system is the KTC Tribal Council. the Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council is an agreement between Woodland Cree First Nation, Lubicon Lake Band, Whitefish Lake First Nation and Peerless Trout First Nation. Together they created a new organization with their own laws and since assuming jurisdiction made immense progress in the child welfare sector.
The key highlights of the event include a discussion on historic child welfare funding, themed breakout sessions and a tree planting ceremony.
The event gathering offers a unique opportunity for Indigenous communities and agencies to convene, exchange experiences, and collaborate on strategies to enhance child welfare services. It is in line with the principles of self-determination and sovereignty, allowing communities to assert control over their future.
The first conference is scheduled to take place on September 12 at the Sawridge Inn in Edmonton followed by a second event on October 17 at the Grey Eagle Resort in Calgary.
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