September 12, 2024 — Port Hardy, British Columbia

Galgapothla: standing together, holding hands, lifting each other up

In a historic ceremony held today in Port Hardy, B.C., home of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations, Chief Leslie Walkus of Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw First Nations and Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Council members, alongside the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, and the Honourable Grace Lore, B.C. Minister of Children and Family Development, signed a coordination agreement to affirm and restore jurisdiction over children and families. This agreement shows a change in the tide for Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw children and families, community, culture and people. This collaborative effort is rooted in the shared understanding that Indigenous children and families should flourish within their communities, surrounded by the embrace of loved ones and the richness of their cultures.

Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations are deeply committed to preserving their language and culture and have woven these principles into the very fabric of the Aux’stila du gingananam Child and Family Protection and Support Law, meaning “taking care of our children.” Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations are reconnecting children and youth to their families, teaching them that they belong, and rooting them to their Nation where children are “dlugwe,” meaning treasures from heaven and “kwa’layu,” grandparents’ reason for living. The Aux’stila du gingananam Child and Family Protection and Support Law is built on this foundation, and amplifies the strength of extended families.

The coordination agreement outlines a common understanding, the specific roles and responsibilities of all parties, and solidifies a shared commitment to facilitate the seamless coordination of services for children, youth and families via the Galgapothla Family Services Society. The agreement also addresses the fiscal aspects of delivering child and family services, articulating guiding principles for future financial arrangement. Canada has committed to provide $105.8 million over the 10 years of the agreement. British Columbia has committed to providing $4.7 million, subject to annual adjustments to account for inflation.

Indigenous Peoples taking back ownership over their child and family services, ensures that both present and future generations of Indigenous children and their families flourish and prosper together, and that past experiences are honored and respected.