PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUPREME COURT VALIDATION OF BILL C92

THE ANICINAPE CONTINUE IMPLEMENTING THEIR OWN CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES SYSTEM

Val d'Or, February 9, 2024 – Following the Supreme Court's decision on the constitutionality of the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children, youth, and families (C-92), recognizing the inherent right of Indigenous peoples to self-government, the Anicinape First Nations of Abitibiwinni, Kitcisakik, Lac-Simon, and Long Point confirm that they are continuing their efforts to take over the child and family services.

"The Supreme Court's decision is clear: we have the inherent right to make our own child welfare laws. And that's what we're going to do," declared Chantal Kistabish, Chief of the Abitibiwinni First Nation.

Established in 2020 to support the four First Nations in this process, the organization Mino Obigiwasin was mandated to draft an Anicinape law which, under Bill C-92, will have full legal effect in Canadian law, taking precedence over Quebec and Canadian laws on the matter.

"The Supreme Court's decision confirms what is obvious, that our peoples have the right to self-determination and the inherent right to self-government. These rights are now recognized by the Supreme Court, the federal government and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It's now Quebec's turn to recognize them," stated Kitcisakik Chief, Régis Pénosway.

Bill C-92 allows First Nations latitude by exempting them from the necessity of initiating a lengthy process of negotiating specific agreements as a prerequisite for the recognition of their right to self-government. The Act is also quite innovative as it is the first law, aside from the Indian Act, to establish a pan-Canadian regime aimed at implementing genuine Indigenous governance, about child and family services.

"Bill C-92 is a concrete example of reconciliation between the State and our peoples. Hopefully, Quebec has understood this and will finally turn its back on its colonial attitude. From now on, we expect Quebec services to respect our autonomy and to be partners in our process to develop our own youth protection service," specified Henry Rodgers, Chief of the Long Point First Nation.

The goal pursued by the First Nations and Mino Obigiwasin is to ensure the collective responsibility held by the Anicinape people for the well-being, development, growth, and safety of their children and families, from a holistic perspective and the vitality of Anicinape culture, language, pride, and identity, which are protective principles for the Anicinape people.

"This decision to recognize the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples is an historic moment for First Nations. It removes significant barriers to the implementation of our self-government. The Anicinape will continue drafting an Anicinape Inakonigewin law for decolonization, healing, to continue existing, and to stop another Nation from making decisions about the future of our families and children. Our children are our responsibility and within our jurisdiction," concluded Lucien Wabanonik, Chief of Lac-Simon.

About Mino Obigiwagin

Mino Obigiwasin is an Anicinape organization that was established to provide child and family services to its population following an agreement signed with the CISSSAT on the management of youth protection for the 4 Anicinape communities of Kitcisakik, Lac Simon, Pikogan (Abitibiwinni) and Long Point (Winneway). Mino Obigiwasin's vision is to ensure that all children and families have a stable, safe, happy environment rooted in the Anicinape culture.

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SOURCE: Mino Obigiwasin

Peggie Jérôme

Executive Director

(819) 856-0723

peggie.jerome@mino-obigiwasin.ca

MEDIA RELATIONS: Éric Cardinal

514-922-9246

e.cardinal@seize03.ca