Indigenous Child & Family Services Directors congratulates Cowessess First Nation on signing the first Coordination Agreement in Canada

The Indigenous Child & Family Services Directors offer our heartfelt congratulations to Cowessess First Nation, which has signed the first Coordination Agreement under the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.

Under the Miyo Pimatisowin Act, Cowessess First Nation affirm their rights and jurisdiction over child and family services for all Cowessess citizens. The Act also establishes the Chief Red Bear Children’s Lodge to serve children and families under a holistic, traditional, and culturally-based healing model.

We hold up our hands to the Cowessess leadership, Kookums & Mooshums, and families whose persistent efforts to protect their children are finally blossoming. We wish them strength and wisdom as they resume their rightful place in the affairs of their children and families.

We anticipate that the successful negotiation of a coordination agreement between Cowessess First Nation, Canada and Saskatchewan will be the first of many as Indigenous communities across Canada reassert their inherent right to care for their own children and families.