The Wabaseemoong Independent Nation northwest of Kenora has signed a formal agreement for child care with the federal and provincial governments.
Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu says this is one of the first of its kind in Canada.
“This is the first in Ontario, second in Canada, but it won’t be the last,” confirms Hajdu.
“And your work is going to help other communities that are not as far along in their journey have a roadmap, a template, of how to do this, so we can sign more agreements.”
Indigenous Affairs Minister for Ontario, Greg Rickford says the deal will allow the first nation to take over children’s aid services in their own community.
“Through the development and implementation of the Wabaseemoong customary care code, and now through a child and family services coordination agreement with Ontario and our friends, Canada.”
