Indigenous Families and Children in Child Welfare Proceeding

Join us to demystify the new Federal Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis Children, Youth, and Families which is intended to implement one of the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Learn about this legislation and the obligations it places on decision makers and lawyers when serving indigenous children and families in child welfare proceedings.

Master the “nuts & bolts” of indigenous child welfare proceedings from the experts. Topics of discussion will include:

• New legislation and its current applications • What is the best interests of the indigenous child test? • What are the priority of placement obligations? • How can we apply these new laws in everyday proceedings? • New legislation and Jurisdiction • What is the process - including access to funding and coordination agreements? • What is the potential – including conflicts with existing laws? • What can we learn from the Cowessess First Nation and the Saskatchewan experience to date?

Summary of EDI Professionalism Content

• The new Federal Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis Children, Youth, and Families was intended to implement one of the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. • The Legislation is in response to cultural bias, and implementation has been largely challenged by unconscious bias, privilege, and cultural homophily. • Discussion of the legislation and the obligations it places on decision makers and lawyers when serving indigenous children and families in child welfare proceedings. • Discussions around cultural competency and effective communication with Indigenous families and children in child welfare proceedings.