During a ceremony on Thursday (April 18), minister of children and family services Grace Lore signed a coordinating agreement with the Sts91裸聊视频檃iles First Nation, further reinforcing the province91裸聊视频檚 support of the nation91裸聊视频檚 jurisdiction over their own child and family services laws.

91裸聊视频淲e are recognizing their inherent right to self-government, including exercising their laws, responsibilities and customs as it relates to looking after children, youth and providing family services,91裸聊视频� Lore told The Observer. 91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 a really, really important step, recognizing that Indigenous people have the inherent right to look after their own children and families and our commitment to continue to work together to keep Indigenous children and youth safe and connected to family and culture.91裸聊视频�

On Family Day weekend this year, the Sts91裸聊视频檃iles community held a celebratory ceremony in honour of their asserting their right to govern children and family services according to their laws and traditions.

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91裸聊视频淥ur children are our most precious resource, and by assuming responsibility for their care, we are ensuring that they grow up with the love, support and connection to their culture that they deserve,91裸聊视频� said Chief Ralph Leon (Sah-ahkw) following the ceremony.

Lore said she was 91裸聊视频渋ncredibly grateful91裸聊视频� to join Sts91裸聊视频檃iles in this work.

The Family Day weekend gathering was initially meant to celebrate a ceremonial signing of a coordination agreement with the Sts91裸聊视频檃iles nation and the federal and provincial governments. However, about a month before the ceremony, the federal government reneged on their commitment to meet the deadlines set out for finalizing the agreement.

Last year, Sts91裸聊视频檃iles leaders brought into force Snowoyelh te Emi:melh te Sts91裸聊视频檃iles, or 91裸聊视频淪ts91裸聊视频檃iles Child and Family Services Law,91裸聊视频� which covers Sts91裸聊视频檃iles children living on reserve. After the Family Day Ceremony, the Sts91裸聊视频檃iles law now extends across B.C., effective April 1.

Lore said the province is committed to breaking down barriers for First Nations asserting their self-governing rights.

Sts91裸聊视频檃iles Grand Chief Chasta Willie Charlie (Cha91裸聊视频檘ua91裸聊视频檞et) stated the community was 91裸聊视频渆xtremely disappointed91裸聊视频� in this decision, and it leaves the community significantly underfunded for the nation91裸聊视频檚 child and family services. Though she did not have an update on where federal officials stand on the issue, Lore said the province will continue to honour the commitment to provide funding for Sts91裸聊视频檃iles children and family services.

91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 work I91裸聊视频檓 committed to and we are continuing to undertake, and that includes funding through to Sts91裸聊视频檃iles,91裸聊视频� Lore added. 91裸聊视频淚 do hope the federal government will join us in these conversations because kids and youth need us to get it right.91裸聊视频�