Executive Council
Children, Seniors and Social Development
February 13, 2017
Supporting Aboriginal Communities through Prevention Initiatives
Funding Provided to Innu Communities under the First Nations Child and Family Services Program
The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, joined Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, in announcing funding from the Federal Government under the First Nations Child and Family Services Program. Funding of $965,000 will be used to support prevention-based programming in the two Innu communities for which the province delivers child protection services – Sheshatshiu and Natuashish.
“I commend the Government of Canada for funding programs such as this which help improve the quality of life for Sheshatsiu and Mushuau First Nations. Collectively, we must do more and continue to collaborate with these communities to ensure greater self-reliance which will lead to real progress among the Indigenous Peoples of our province.”
- The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
Through the Innu Round Table, comprising Mushuau Innu First Nation, Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation and the Innu Nation and created for coordinated administration of common priorities, the Federal and Provincial Governments will continue discussions on how to best implement prevention-based programming in Sheshatshiu and Natuashish.
“I am extremely pleased that our province will benefit from funding to support the ongoing work with our Aboriginal communities in the area of prevention. We recognize that there are a number of challenges which often translate into a higher number of children requiring the services of the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development. However, we continue to develop innovative ways to work with our Indigenous communities.”
- The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada provides funding to support child and family services on reserves throughout the country, while the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development delivers child protection services across the province. Under this model, protection and intervention services delivered by the Provincial Government are complemented by federal funding to support community-driven, culturally-appropriate prevention activities. The 2016 Federal Budget announced $634.8 million over five years for the First Nations Child and Family Services Program.
“We are deeply committed to renewing the relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership. This investment will provide culturally-appropriate prevention and protection services that help ensure the safety and well-being of First Nation children and families of Sheshatshiu and Natuashish.”
- Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador
This funding is further complemented by the recently signed Working Relationship Agreement between the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development and the Sheshatshiu and Mushuau First Nations in an effort to improve service coordination and information sharing pertaining to child protection in Sheshatshiu and Natuashish. The new agreement outlines more specifically the activities that will be undertaken to improve services between the Provincial Government and the Labrador Innu communities. It is an important partnership that will help improve planning around the safety and placement of Aboriginal children and youth.
QUICK FACTS
- Funding of $965,000 has been allocated for prevention-based programming in the Innu communities of Sheshatshiu and Natuashish.
- Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada provides funding under the First Nations Child and Family Services Program for culturally-appropriate prevention and protection services.
- The 2016 Federal Budget announced $634.8 million over five years for the First Nations Child and Family Services Program.
- Through the Innu Round Table, federal and provincial governments will continue discussions on how to best implement prevention-based programming in Sheshatshiu and Natuashish.
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Media contacts:
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Michelle Cannizzaro Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3960 michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca |
Krista Dalton Media Relations Manager Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development 709-729-3768, 685-6492 kristadalton@gov.nl.ca |
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Brandon Pardy Legislation/communications for Yvonne Jones, MP for Labrador 613-222-1735 Yvonne.jones.c1@parl.gc.ca |
2017 02 13 10:55 a.m.