A case of reconciliation in action

Youth protection deal with Atikamekw nation is an important step forward, Geoffrey Kelley says.

It is clear that there are numerous Indigenous realities in Quebec, rather than a single perspective. Many communities are dynamic and prosperous, but we rarely hear about these success stories. The social problems that plague certain communities have attracted a great deal of public attention.

Of course, the theme of reconciliation with Indigenous communities has acquired much greater prominence in the media.

That the reconciliation process is underway is undeniable, given many recent agreements between the government of Quebec and our Indigenous partners. However, we are still far from the finish line. The small steps we have taken are not often mentioned in the media, but they have the potential to have a tremendous impact on our future relationship.

Last week, another step was taken toward this goal with the signing of a historic youth protection agreement between the government of Quebec and the Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw (CNA). For the first time, youth protection services, which have historically been under the authority of the Department of Youth Protection, will be offered autonomously and independently by an agency created by and for Indigenous people, the Système d’intervention d’autorité atikamekw.

In the preamble to this agreement, it is stated that the Atikamekw nation bears the responsibility for protecting its children and young people, and seeing to their well-being under the auspices of its institutions and decision-making bodies. The key point is that the Atikamekw nation is acquiring more autonomy, while the primary consideration is still the best interests of the child.

The ground-breaking nature of this announcement was recognized by the Grand Chief of the Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw,

Obviously, we must do more, and we must do better.

Constant Awashish, who proudly declared, “The Atikamekw nation is paving the way for all other nations. When we reflect on our history, it is unbelievable that we have come this far. You know, with everything that has happened in our communities, it is not always easy. Today, we can see a huge light at the end of the tunnel. This is a major step toward autonomy for the Atikamekw nation.”

This is not the first time we have legislated in this way. In Bill 113, An Act to amend the Civil Code and other legislative provisions as regards adoption and the disclosure of information, and in Bill 99, An Act to amend the Youth Protection Act and other provisions, we recognized, for the first time ever, the practice of customary adoption in Indigenous communities, and pledged to make it a priority from now on to place children in foster families who belong to the same Indigenous communities as their young charges do. These are only several examples of the changes we have made with a view to showing greater respect for the autonomy of Indigenous communities and favouring the preservation of the language and cultural identity of children in care.

Our government’s commitment to improving the quality of life of Indigenous peoples runs even deeper. Last summer, we also unveiled the first Government Action Plan for the Social and Cultural Development of the First Nations and Inuit, introducing more than 100 measures. This major action plan was developed as a result of consultations with Indigenous communities, and will be implemented in partnership with them. Step by step, these initiatives are paving the way to concrete change in First Nation and Inuit communities.

Obviously, we must do more, and we must do better. Of course we must continue working on the crucial issue of resource sharing, and we must also have a frank discussion about the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

But reconciliation is underway, as the agreement with the Atikamekw demonstrates conclusively, and our government is determined to move forward.