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“Today is a historical day,” said Cowessess Chief Cadmus Delorme. “This is where Indigenous people, as rights holders, can create their own laws in a true co-relationship [with the Crown], as treaty was meant to be.” Trudeau, Delorme and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe were in attendance to finalize the coordination agreement, titled the Miyo Pimatisowin Act. “This is a step along the journey, one that was identified by Indigenous communities, I think rightly, as being a priority making sure we recognize the harm done to children in residential schools, the harm done through child and family services, the removal of Indigenous kids who are overrepresented in care,” said Trudeau.
Regina / 980 CJME
Jul 6, 2021 | 5:08 PM
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (R) was on the Cowessess First Nation Tuesday to sign a coordination agreement with Chief Cadmus Delorme (L) and Premier Scott Moe to finalize the first nation taking back jurisdiction for its child and family services. Jul. 6, 2021 (Mattea Columpsi/980 CJME)
Clouds may have crowded in for the afternoon, but the feeling at the Cowessess First Nation on Tuesday was one of celebration and achievement.
With Cowessess Chief Cadmus Delorme, Premier Scott Moe along with a rare appearance in Saskatchewan for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a coordination was signed by all three to finalize the Cowessess taking back jurisdiction over child and family services for its citizens, no matter where they are in Canada.
By Ryan Young
A landmark agreement has been signed by Ottawa, Saskatchewan and the Cowessess First Nation.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Cowessess Chief Cadmus Delorme signed an agreement, creating a $38.7-million Cowessess Child and Family First Nation support system.
The agreement is the first of its kind in Canada, following the passage of Bill C-92, and grants Cowessess control over child and family services in the community, with the protection of language and culture.
The Prime Minister says partnerships such as this are a vital step on the path to reconciliation for all Canadians.
Following today’s (Tues) ceremony, Trudeau, Moe and Chief Delorme will meet with residential school survivors and pay their respects at the former site of the Marieval Indian Residential School, where 751 unmarked graves were located last month.
We never gave up the sovereignty of our children : Cowessess regains control over child welfare “No kids finally will be removed from the communities they are a part of. That is the goal,” Trudeau said. “Never again should kids be taken from their homes, families and communities.”
Author of the article: Arthur White-Crummey
Publishing date: Jul 06, 2021 • 6 hours ago • 4 minute read • Cowessess First Nation Chief Cadmus Delorme, centre, signs a document marking the transfer of control of children in care to the First Nation during an event held on Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan on July 6, 2021. Canada s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau can be seen on frame left. Saskatchewan s Premier Scott Moe can be seen on frame right. Photo by BRANDON HARDER /Regina Leader-Post