After a lengthy and heated debate, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has voted against a proposed $47.8 billion child welfare reform deal. The decision was made during the AFN’s virtual special assembly on Tuesday.
The proposed deal, known as the “Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families,” aimed to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in the child welfare system. It was negotiated between the federal government and Indigenous leaders over the past two years.
During the debate, some AFN chiefs expressed concerns about the lack of consultation and input from First Nations communities in the development of the proposed legislation. Others argued that the deal did not go far enough in addressing the root causes of the issue, such as poverty and inadequate housing.
AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde, who supported the deal, acknowledged the concerns raised by some chiefs but urged them to consider the potential benefits for Indigenous children and families.
“I know this is not a perfect piece of legislation, but it’s a step in the right direction,” Bellegarde said during the debate.
In the end, the vote was close, with 206 chiefs voting against the deal and 189 in favor. The AFN requires a two-thirds majority to pass a resolution.
The federal government has expressed disappointment with the outcome of the vote, with Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller stating that the deal was “the best path forward” for Indigenous children and families.
The AFN will now work with the federal government to address the concerns raised by chiefs and continue to advocate for meaningful and effective solutions to address the ongoing crisis of Indigenous children in the child welfare system.
This decision by the AFN highlights the ongoing challenges and complexities of addressing the issue of Indigenous child welfare. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of meaningful consultation and collaboration with Indigenous communities in the development of policies and legislation that directly impact their lives.
