The Muskeg Lake Cree Nation is one step closer to fully exercising jurisdiction over child and family services.
The First Nation is transitioning to implementing their law based on the Cree values of “wâhkôtowin” and “miyo-ohpikihâwasowin.”
“We are taking steps to bring full control over child and family services to our Nation with the direction and input of our families and community. Even during this pandemic, when our families have been under pressure and fear about today and the future, our main concern is our children. We have to move forward and bring our laws, values and practices into a new form with a law that will support Muskeg Lake Cree families,” said Chief Kelly Wolfe.
The First Nation, Canada and the province are expected to enter into program transition discussions. To accommodate child and family services, Muskeg Lake has taken interim steps to establish a Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Kinship Council that guides the Nation during the transition period.
“We believe there should not be a single Muskeg Lake Cree Nation child in stranger foster care in Saskatchewan or anywhere else in Canada,” explained Wolfe. “Our Government will act in the best interests of our children.”
Wolfe said the First Nation has drafted its own legislation as it prepares to take over child and family services.