“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.
Cowessess takes control over child welfare
It’s the first of its kind in Canada, as a Saskatchewan First Nation gains control over child welfare.
The Cowessess First Nation signed two agreements with the federal and provincial governments Tuesday, giving it authority regarding children-in-care.
“Today we give birth to a new horizon,” said Chief Cadmus Delrome. “Today is a historical day, because we never gave up our sovereignty to our children.”
In 2020, Cowessess ratified its own legislation, to not only defining the parameters of child welfare programing, but the creation of the Chief Red Bear Children’s Lodge.
This follows the federal government passing legislation in 2019 aimed a reducing the number of Indigenous children in state care, but also allowing communities to create their own systems.
REGINA A Saskatchewan First Nation has been legally transferred jurisdiction and control over its children in care. This marks the first time that control of child and family services has been restored to an Indigenous community under federal law. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and the Chief of Cowessess First Nation Cadmus Delorme, were present at a signing ceremony in the community on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks to Cowessess First Nation community members on July 6, 2021. (Gareth Dillistone/CTV News)
The Miyo Pimatisowin Act, which was ratified by Cowessess residents in March 2020, asserts the community’s right to care for children and families in need. The Act is a stepping-stone in the community’s effort to create its own plan for self-governance. It is the first of its kind in Canada.
By Josh Sigurdson
Jul 6, 2021 | 7:53 PM
Cowessess First Nation has become the first Indigenous community in the country to be transferred control over its child and family services.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and the Cowessess Chief Cadmus Delorme, were present at a signing ceremony in the community on Tuesday.
The Miyo Pimatisowin Act, asserts the First Nation’s right to care for children and families in need, the first step in the community becoming self-governed.
Chief Cadmus Delorme says while this is a huge step for the First Nation, there’s a lot of work to be done.
Saskatoon / 650 CKOM
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.