AMC Women’s Council concerned about problematic approach to First Nations children and families
June 13, 2019
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, June 12, 2019 _ The Women’s Council of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is disappointed with the federal government and the Province of Manitoba in pursuing Bill C-92 An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.
Today, the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples met for the second reading of the pan-Indigenous Bill C-92. Third reading begins tomorrow. The AMC has been committed to advancing the existing child welfare MOU resulting in the drafting of Manitoba-specific federal legislation “Bringing Our Children Home Act (BOCHA).” The federal government has not honoured its commitment to the MOU or to legislate BOCHA at this time, and the AMC has since requested for First Nations in Manitoba to be exempt from Bill C-92. Yesterday, the AMC became aware that the Minister’s office of the Department of Indigenous Services Canada would not exclude them because the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) “strongly supported” the bill. Today, the SCO issued a press release titled, “Southern Manitoba First Nations Vote to seize Control of Child Welfare” which raised concern with the AMC Women’s Council.