Mr. Jean-Claude Mequish, Chief of the Conseil des Atikamekw of Opitciwan (Atikamekw of Opitciwan Council) and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, have signed a bilateral agreement marking the culmination of two years of discussions. The agreement, entitled Mamo miro kanawerimatan awacak (“Together, for the good of children”), provides the Conseil des Atikamekw of Opitciwan with funding for two years to implement services provided for under Loi de la protection sociale Atikamekw d’Opitciwan (the Atikamekw of Opitciwan social protection law). The agreement will enable the organization to finance the services it provides to community members both within the community and elsewhere in Quebec.
Today, at a groundbreaking ceremony with Chief Sherry Ackabee, Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu stood alongside Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek to witness construction begin on a Mercury Care Home and Wellness Centre, a specialized facility dedicated to addressing the community’s unique health needs associated with mercury exposure due to pollutants released into the English-Wabigoon river system.
Today, Chief Dwayne Laboucan, the elected Council of Driftpile Cree Nation, and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Federal Minister of Indigenous Services, signed a service delivery agreement affirming Driftpile Cree Nation’s inherent right to self-governance over its children, youth, and families. This agreement supports the implementation of Driftpile Cree Nation’s Mihtatakaw Sîpiy Awasak Wiyasiwêwin (Driftpile River Children’s Law), using the framework provided by An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.
Today, the Chiefs of Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Canada signed a landmark $8.5 billion agreement to reform the First Nations Child and Family Services Program in Ontario.
Today, in recognition of their outstanding leadership, Katy Thorne of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation and the Lower Nicola Indian Band’s Public Works Team were announced as the 2024 recipients of the National First Nations Water Leadership Award at the Assembly of First Nations’ National Housing and Infrastructure Conference held in Calgary, Alberta.
The Weso’tmk Samqwan Incorporated Framework Agreement was signed on Wednesday, February 19, by Chief Bill Ward of Metepenagiag and Chief George Ginnish of Natoaganeg, Directors of Weso’tmk Samqwan Incorporated, and Tammy Drew-Howse, Associate Regional Director General, ISC Atlantic Region. The agreement serves as a roadmap for transferring water and wastewater management services from the Government of Canada to Weso’tmk Samqwan Incorporated, clearly defining roles and responsibilities. It addresses key gaps in service standards, capacity building, regulations and funding, advancing the goal of self-sufficiency for Mi’kmaw First Nations.
When it comes to Jordan’s Principle, our top priority and our intention have not changed: making sure First Nations children have access to the products, services and supports that they need.
Zhiibaahaasing First Nation Chief Irene Sagon Kells and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, are excited to mark the official groundbreaking of the community's new water treatment plant and major upgrades to its water distribution system.
Today, the Poplar Hill First Nation is joined by the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, to celebrate the community's connection to the Ontario power grid, marking an end to their community's reliance on expensive, emissions-intensive diesel-generated electricity.
Canada cannot determine what is best for First Nation children, but does have an important role in undoing injustices and supporting First Nation families.
