Sts’ailes First Nation asserts its jurisdiction over children and family services
STS’AILES / HARRISON MILLS — A First Nation in the Fraser Valley celebrated its jurisdiction over child and family services with an event that had been set to include a ceremonial signing of an agreement with the B.C. and federal governments after three years of negotiation.
But a statement Friday (Feb. 16) from Sts’ailes First Nation says that a month before the scheduled signing, Ottawa indicated it would not meet certain deadlines and the government did not provide a timeline for when it might be ready.
“After more than a century of historic disruption, Sts’ailes is asserting its unbroken and inherent right to care for our children and families according to our own laws and cultural practices,” said Sah-ahkw Ralph Leon Jr., Chief, Sts’ailes. “Our children are our most precious resource and by assuming responsibility for their care, we are ensuring that they grow up with the love, support and connection to their culture that they deserve.”
In the meantime, Sts’ailes Grand Chief Chasta Willie Charlie says the community is funding its child and family services without federal support.
