Home / News Releases / News Release: Splatsin to Return the Favour 41 Years Later
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2021
Upcoming webinar to help First Nations with complete jurisdiction over Indigenous children
Secwepemcúl̓ecw (Shuswap) – It has been 41 years since Splatsin band members travelled to Vancouver to march the streets to protest against the high numbers of Indigenous children being removed from the Nation adjacent to Enderby, B.C. Since 1980, through the assertion of their inherent rights, Splatsin has delivered comprehensive family preservation support and child protection services. First Nations from across Canada have noticed this, and since the recent implementation of Bill C-92, Splatsin has been inundated with questions about their Stsmamlt (Child) Services.
The arduous journey Splatsin took in 1980 to develop jurisdiction over its children, also known as the Indian Child Caravan, was successful in part thanks to the many Indigenous communities who stood alongside Splatsin band members and lobbied on their behalf. With Bill C-92 now in effect, it’s time for Splatsin to return the favour.
“Bill C-92 is foundational for changing the child welfare system for children and families. This is an opportunity to learn what is possible with inherent jurisdiction,” said Kukpi7 (Chief) Wayne Christian about Splatsin’s upcoming webinar titled Knucwentwecw (Helping Eachother) Splatsin Jurisdiction on March 24th and 25th.
“Bill C-92 begins a process of reconciliation that will lay the foundation for recognition of our inherent jurisdiction for our children and families to undo the impact of the residential school and the 60’s scoop,” said Christian.
Splatsin’s Stsmamlt Services believes in connection and a child’s right to their family, culture and community and has 41 years of experience if implementing their inherent legislation. Christian noted that other First Nations can learn from Splatsin’s direct implementation of By-Law #3 in their community.
Speakers at the March 24-25 webinar will include Kukpi7 (Chief) Wayne Christian, Tkwamipla7 (Councillor) George William, Bonnie Leonard, Lawyer, Dr. Louise Mandell, QC, and Cindy Monkman, Director of Splatsin Stsmamlt Services
Topics will include program history, a breakdown of how the law works, operational processes to implement the law, inter-jurisdictional challenges, relationships with levels of government, Canada’s legislation, and the impact of Bill C-92. There will also be time for questions.
First Nations and anyone interested in learning more about complete jurisdiction and management of community-based child and family services should register in advance for the webinar here.
The free webinar will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on both March 24th and 25th.
Learn more about Splatsin Stsmamlt Services here
The Splatsin (pronounced spla-jeen) people reside on Indian reserve lands adjacent to the City of Enderby to the south and across the Shuswap River to the east. The Splatsin are the southernmost tribe of the Secwépemc Nation, the largest Interior Salish speaking First Nation in Canada. Our aboriginal territory stretches from the B.C./Alberta border near the Yellowhead Pass to the plateau west of the Fraser River, southeast to the Arrow Lakes and to the upper reaches of the Columbia River.
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Media Contact:
Dudley Coulter, Communications Specialisto (250) 838-6496 ext. 705c (250) 306-1541e [email protected]