Cowichan Tribes(Cowichan Tribes)

Canada has signed an agreement with Cowichan Tribes, restoring the jurisdiction over their child and family services to the Nation. This significant change, under the framework of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth, and families, affirms the Cowichan Tribes’ inherent right to self-determination. This jurisdictional restoration empowers the community to manage all aspects of child and family services, focusing on prevention, protection measures, and operations, aligning with the community’s definition of the best interests of their children.

A Milestone Coordination Agreement

In a historic event, Chief Cindy Daniels (Sulsulxumaat) of the Cowichan Tribes, alongside representatives from the Canadian and B.C. governments, signed a coordination agreement. This agreement supports the implementation of Snuw’uy’ulhtst tu Quw’utsun Mustimuhw u’ tu Shhw’a’luqw’a I’ Smun’eem (The Laws of the Cowichan People for Families and Children). Initially targeting Cowichan citizens on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, there are ambitions for broader application across British Columbia and Canada. This law enables the comprehensive transfer of child and family services, operations, and programs to the control of Cowichan Tribes.

Grounded in Tradition and Community Values

The new law is deeply rooted in Quw’utsun snuw’uy’ulh (teachings), values, family customs, and traditions. Decision-making processes, including court procedures, prioritize love, respect, and family unity. This approach empowers Cowichan families and community members to ensure the safety and well-being of children and youth, with extended families and Elders playing a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing children’s connections to their family, community, culture, and language.

Furthermore, the law includes provisions for prevention and support for families facing challenges such as poverty, inadequate housing, substance misuse, or mental health issues. This holistic approach aims to foster family wellness, protect children’s best interests, and ensure that generational teachings and values are preserved and passed on.

Financial and Legislative Support

This agreement is the eighth of its kind in Canada and the second in British Columbia under the Act. It outlines the coordination mechanisms and funding necessary for Cowichan Tribes’ law to take effect over child and family services. The federal government is contributing approximately $207.5 million, while the B.C. government has committed $22 million to support this four-year agreement from 2024–25 to 2027–28.

Statements of Significance

Chief Cindy Daniels (Sulsulxumaat) expressed profound optimism and pride, stating, “Our Quw’utsun smun’eem (children) deserve to thrive within their families and our culture. I am heartened to sign this historic coordination agreement on behalf of Quw’utsun Mustimuhw. I am thinking today of the generations of our children who experienced the trauma of being removed from their families and our community. The implementation of our Child Law recognizes our inherent right to govern our children in accordance with our snuw’uy’ulh (teachings) and ensure a better future for our people.”

Background on Cowichan Tribes

Cowichan Tribes is the largest single First Nation band in British Columbia, located in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. The community has a rich history and deep cultural heritage. The Cowichan people have long advocated for self-governance and the right to manage their affairs, particularly in child and family services. This struggle has been a part of their ongoing efforts to overcome the negative impacts of colonial policies, including residential schools and child apprehension practices, which have historically disrupted their family structures and cultural transmission.

This agreement marks a significant step toward self-determination for Cowichan Tribes, ensuring future generations grow up within the nurturing embrace of their community, guided by their cultural heritage and traditional values.

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