Within hours of the passage of 2022, a tentative First Nations child protection agreement would have been finalized, the Globe and Mail has revealed.
The agreement was reached on the last day of negotiations with the parties, including the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society and representatives of class action lawsuits related to the protection of indigenous children.
Details have yet to be announced, but a press conference is expected to take place on Tuesday.
Earlier this month, the federal government announced $ 40 billion in compensation for Indigenous children removed from their families since 1990.
About half of this would go to compensation for children and their families, while the other half would go to improve child protection services in Indigenous communities.
The $ 40 billion pledge is linked to class action lawsuits, as well as a legal battle over a finding by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. It would force Ottawa to pay up to $ 40,000 in compensation to every First Nations child unnecessarily placed in foster care due to underfunding of government services since 2006. The ordinance also required payments to parents and adults. -parents.
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First Nations children
In a Historic Move, Canada Reaches a Landmark Agreement on First Nations Child Compensation and Reform
As we enter the new year, Canada has made a significant step towards reconciling with its Indigenous communities. A long-awaited agreement on First Nations child protection has been finalized, marking a new chapter in the country’s history. According to reports, the agreement was reached on the last day of negotiations between the federal government, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), and other key stakeholders.
While the details of the agreement are yet to be announced, it’s clear that this landmark deal is a testament to the tireless efforts of Indigenous leaders, advocates, and community members who have pushed for justice and accountability. As previously announced, the federal government has pledged a whopping $40 billion in compensation for Indigenous children removed from their families since 1990. This amount, however, has increased to over $47.8 billion as per recent reports [3] over ten years.
The compensation is divided into two parts: one half for direct compensation to children and their families and the other half to improve child protection services in Indigenous communities. It’s worth noting that this deal is part of a comprehensive reform package aimed at eliminating the disparities in the First Nations Child and Family Services Program (FNCFS) [2].
Under the agreement, surviving First Nations children and families who experienced discrimination in the child welfare system will receive compensation, amounting to over $23.34 billion, which will benefit over 300,000 people [1]. Survivors will also receive up to $40,000 in compensation for each occasion they were unnecessarily placed in foster care due to underfunding of government services since 2006.
This historic agreement is not just about providing compensation; it’s about repairing the intergenerational trauma inflicted on Indigenous communities. By acknowledging past wrongs and committing to meaningful reforms, Canada is paving the way for a more equitable future. As the country continues to grapple with the complexities of reconciliation, this agreement serves as a beacon of hope for justice, healing, and unity.
It’s a new chapter, and it’s time to write a different story – one of resilience, hope, and a brighter future for Indigenous children and families.