The organization responsible for child welfare in Peguis First Nation has recently shared data indicating that a system established through a landmark agreement in 2023 is functioning effectively. This stands in contrast to the calls made by the community’s chief, Dr. Stan Bird, to dismantle the arrangement over concerns about oversight. Former Chief Glenn Hudson, who was in office when the agreement was finalized, refuted Chief Bird’s characterization, stating that the system is functioning well but could benefit from increased engagement and collaboration.
Chief Bird, in a joint press conference with Southern Chiefs’ Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels, urged for the termination of the agreement, citing perceived failures in the current system’s ability to safeguard children and families. The agreement, signed under Hudson’s leadership in 2023, marked Peguis as the first Indigenous community in Manitoba to take over child welfare authority through a co-ordination agreement with federal and provincial authorities, leading to the establishment of Peguis Child and Family Services.
Enabled by federal Bill C-92, passed in 2019, which granted Indigenous communities the power to assume control of local child welfare, the agreement represented a significant step towards self-governance. Peguis CFS recently released a statement asserting that the system is performing exceptionally well, highlighting statistics showing a significant decrease in the number of children in care and a high percentage of placements within family or culturally appropriate settings.
While Chief Bird emphasized the need for enhanced oversight and accountability mechanisms, including avenues for appealing decisions affecting children and families, he referenced the absence of an independent review body similar to the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth. Peguis CFS has updated its website to include information on lodging complaints, but CBC News has not received a response from the agency regarding these recent developments.
Former Chief Hudson expressed support for maintaining the existing agreement and addressing concerns through collaboration with Peguis CFS. He emphasized the importance of sovereignty over child welfare outcomes and highlighted the community engagement process that preceded the agreement’s implementation. Bird’s appeal to have the election results overturned will be heard by the Federal Court of Appeal, as he continues to advocate for revisions to the current child welfare system.
Manitoba Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine is scheduled to meet with Chief Bird to discuss his concerns, with Bird calling for a reevaluation of the agreement to ensure adequate safeguards and quality assurance. The need for an external, independent review mechanism, similar to the role of MACY, was underscored by Bird and other stakeholders in the child welfare sector. Manitoba Foster Parent Association president Jamie Pfau also supported the kinship and customary care models and echoed the call for increased oversight in the Peguis child welfare system.
