The Wabaseemoong First Nation northwest of Kenora is one of the first in Canada to develop their own child welfare laws.
Bill C-92 took effect last year and gives first nations the right to administer their own child and family services.
Marc Miller is the Aboriginal Affairs minister and says it’s a great day for Wabaseemoong.
“Truly they become the first indigenous community to have its own child care law come into force,” explains Miller.
“For your customary code, Wabaseemoong Independent Nations has assumed leadership over what is in the best interest of your children. What will provide your children with cultural continuity and what will provide your children with substantiative equality,”
Adolphus Cameron is the executive director of the Wabaseemoong Child Welfare Authority and says this day didn’t happen overnight but has been years in the making.
