Colonial institutions and legal systems have for too long taken Indigenous children away from the care of their communities, families, language and culture. We recognize that Indigenous communities are best placed to look after their own children and families based on their own legal traditions, practices and customs. We work with Indigenous governments to negotiate agreements with federal, provincial and territorial governments and to draft and implement laws as they exercise their inherent right of self-government through their jurisdiction over child and family services.
Our team will be able to assist regardless of whether an Indigenous government or community is considering exercising jurisdiction through a self-government arrangement, or through An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families.
Our work includes:
- negotiating jurisdiction over child and family services in self-government agreements
- drafting, implementing and advising on child and family services laws under self-government agreements and under An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families
- negotiating, drafting, implementing and advising on coordination agreements
- advising on legislative reforms needed by other governments to support the exercise of Indigenous self-government over child and family welfare and services.
If you would like to talk to a lawyer practicing in this area, please contact: