NationTalk; Lethbridge Herald – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) late last week rejected a $47.8 billion sett:ement agreement on long-term reform of First Nations child and family services after a three-day debate in Calgary.

In a statement from Makiinima Chief Roy Fox released on Monday, he says the Blood Tribe welcomes the rejection as Canada failed to their consent.

“The Blood Tribe opposed this proposal because Canada failed to seek our consent, violating its duty to meaningfully consult. This agreement ignores the deep, ongoing harm caused by forcibly removing our children from their families and communities, severing their ties to our ways of life as Kainaiwa people,” the statement said.

According to a Child Intervention Information and Statics Summary from the Government of Alberta released in January of 2023, 74 per cent of children in childcare were Indigenous as of December of 2022, even though they only made up 10 per cent of the population.

The statement released by the Blood Tribe says the agreement undermines their authority over decisions which affect their people.

“The proposal seeks to transfer oversight to entities that do not represent Kainaiwa, the Blackfoot Confederacy or other Treaty First Nations in Alberta, disregarding our inherent rights in favor of disconnected external bodies,” the statement said.

The statement commended Cindy Blackstock, executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, for her advocacy for funding for First Nations childcare services.

The Blood Tribe says they will continue to hold all levels of government accountable until they see real, lasting change happen.

“We call for the full recognition of the wisdom and guidance of our leaders, experts, families and the voices of our children in shaping a future that ensure the well-being and care of all our relations,” said the Tribe.

This rejection sends a clear message to Canada that the Blood Tribe as well as members of the AFN will not accept half measures and temporary solutions, especially when it comes to their children’s future.

“Our children carry the heart of our people and it is our collective responsibility to support and uphold them in nurturing their connections to family, traditions, identity and their own sense of purpose,” said the Blood Tribe.

BY ALEXANDRA NOAD – LETHBRIDGE HERALD LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER