Frequently Asked Questions 

How long does this project run? 

The Readiness Project will run into 2025.

Is the goal of this project for Ugpi'Ganjig to take jurisdiction of child welfare matters? 

No. Although the community may decide to seek jurisdiction through legilsation after this project concludes, this project's goal is to:

  1) Assess how ready the Nation is to create and implement legilsation, and 

   2) Build capacity to implement legislation, should the Nation choose to. 

Will my voice be heard? 

Yes! There will several rounds of community consultation throughout the project. You can also direct any comments or questions by sending us a message here.

How can I stay up-to-date on project activites and timelines? 

Please subscribe to the project's mailing list here.

What is the purpose of the Act?

The Act has 3 primary purposes.

1. Affirms the inherent right of self-government for Indigenous communities, including jurisdiction over child and family services.

2. Sets national principles and standards for the provision of child and family services to Indigenous children.

3. Contributes directly to Canada’s commitment to the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples (UNDRIP) (section 8).

When did Bill C-92 come into force?

An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families (the Act; formerly Bill C-92) received royal assent on June 21, 2019 and came into force January 1, 2020.

Why is An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families Important?

An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families is the first federal legislation passed regarding Indigenous child and family services in Canada. 

It reaffirms the inherent right of self-government for Indigenous peoples, including jurisdiction over child and fmaily services. These rights are recognized and protected by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. 

It establishes core principles and standards specific to the provision of services to Indigenous children across the country. The importance of maintaining an Indigenous child’s connection to his or her family, community, culture, language, and traditions is central to the Act.

What happens now that the Act is in force?

As of January 1, 2020, all services providers in Canada that provide child and family services to First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit children and families must follow the national principles and minimum standards outlined in sections 9 to 17 of the Act. This ensures the best interest of the child, cultural continuity and substantive equality are at the forefront of child and family services.

Between now and until Chief and Council decide to exercise their jurisdiction under the Act, services to Indigenous children will continue to be provided following provincial child and family services legislation and policies and standards.

Is there a website identifying what IGBs have given notice of intent to draw jurisdiction under section 20(1) or to enter into coordination agreement under section 20(2)?

The information can be found at the ISC website at the following link:

https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1608565826510/1608565862367

Do the laws created by Ugpi'Ganjig have to be consistent with provincial legislation?

No, the laws created by Ugpi'Ganjig First Nation do not need to be consistent with current provincial legislation. The laws enacted by Ugpi'Ganjig First Nation will be given the force of equal to federal law. Because of this, they will prevail over any current federal or provincial law should there be any inconsistencies between them (Note: this is pending the appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada which is to be heard in early 2023). 

However, any law enacted by Ugpi'Ganjig First Nation must follow the principles and minimum standards in the Federal Act as described in sections 9 to 17.

Who will ensure the Act is being followed? 

From January 2020 onward, it is the reposnibility of every person and agency providing services to Indigenous, Métis and Inuit children to ensure compliance with the minimum standards within the Act.

Additional measures and processes will be developed by Ugpi'Ganjig First Nation to ensure alignment with both principles and national standards.