July 10, 2026 — Uashat mak Mani-utenam, Québec — Indigenous Services Canada, ITUM and the government of Québec
The Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani utenam (ITUM) Council, the Government of Canada, and the Government of Québec officially signed today the Tshisheuatishitau Child and Family Services Coordination Agreement marking a historic milestone in the recognition of ITUM’s inherent jurisdiction over child and family services for its community.
This agreement makes ITUM the first Indigenous community in Québec to conclude a tripartite agreement under the federal Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families. The agreement establishes the collaborative framework among the three governments to ensure a smooth transition toward the implementation of ITUM’s new child and family services law, the Tshisheuatishitau Act.
This Act, which will come into force on September 14, 2026, represents a major step forward for the children, youth, and families of Uashat mak Mani utenam. More than 2,000 people — including Elders, parents, youth, foster families, frontline workers, and community leaders contributed to developing the vision that led to the adoption of the Tshisheuatishitau Act.
The Tshisheuatishitau Act establishes a governance framework designed by and for the Innu of Uashat mak Mani utenam, replacing Québec’s Youth Protection Act within the community’s jurisdiction for the provincial Youth Protection Act for the Côte Nord region. It places children and families at the heart of decisions affecting them by emphasizing prevention, culturally appropriate approaches, the transmission of Innu Knowledge, and meaningful family participation through decision making bodies such as Family Circles. The Act ensures that decisions about children’s well being are made by and for the community, in accordance with their customs, language, and values.
To support the implementation of the Act, Minister Gull Masty announced today that the Government of Canada has also committed to investing funds through 2030 to support ITUM in assuming full responsibility for child and family services.
The coordination agreement establishes collaborative mechanisms between ITUM, the Government of Québec, and the Government of Canada regarding the transfer of responsibilities, coordination between Québec’s Youth Protection Directorate and the Tshisheuatishitau Directorate, as well as the creation of a standing implementation committee responsible for overseeing the agreement.
A concrete recognition of self determination
The signing of this agreement represents much more than an administrative arrangement. For ITUM, this agreement constitutes a concrete recognition of their inherent right to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services. It is also part of the broader reconciliation efforts between governments and First Nations.
This agreement also reflects the unanimous decision handed down by the Supreme Court of Canada in February 2024, confirming the constitutional validity of the federal Act and recognizing that the exercise of Indigenous jurisdiction over child and family services is an essential component of the reconciliation process.
Beyond the implementation of a new Act, the Tshisheuatishitau Act, rooted in the values, language, and traditions of the Innu of Uashat mak Mani utenam, holds the promise of a future in where their children can grow up proud of their identity, their family, and their community.
