ATHABASCA TRIBAL COUNCIL STATEMENT ON THE SUPREME COURT OF CANADA’S DECISION

(March 1, 2024, Fort McMurray, AB) – The Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) is pleased that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) determined that The Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, Youth and families (the “Act”) as a whole, is constitutionally valid and falls squarely within Parliament’s legislative jurisdiction.

Historically, provincial and federal governments have disputed over which entity was responsible for Indigenous children, causing devastating impacts and resulting in further trauma and tragic deaths. However, today, the Act recognizes that providing such services is the responsibility of both levels of government, which must act in a concerted fashion.

Since the Act that was passed through Bill C-92 and came into force on January 1, 2020, ATC has been working diligently with Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and Chipewyan Prairie First Nation leadership to develop Child Well-Being Laws to serve these communities. It is ATC's intention to serve these First Nations by asserting their rights and jurisdiction over child and family services. To develop laws that go beyond established provincial legislation and to provide Indigenous families and children with services that are more appropriate to their cultural realities. 

The SCC’s decision on February 9, 2024, provides certainty to ATC and First Nations to implement their own laws regarding child and family services in a manner that respects each Nation's diversity, culture, and autonomy. The decision confirmed that the Act is a means to meet the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls for Action, and the Calls for Action for the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. This Act is a step for Parliament to fulfil their promise that the same old broken system that tears Indigenous families apart and removes children from their culture not be permitted to continue.

ATC continues to assert that Indigenous people know what is best for their children. The Act gives the First Nations ATC serves the opportunity to develop effective, local, community-led solutions to the current problems related to children’s services. A future where Indigenous people thrive is a better future for all.

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About ATC

Athabasca Tribal Council is an organization that serves our First Nations by providing relevant and innovative programs and services that enrich the well-being, health and prosperity of its people. ATC is committed to ensuring the protection of inherent rights, Treaty Rights, and their Traditional Territories while respecting the autonomy of each Nation. For information, visit atcfn.ca.

For more information:

Karla Buffalo

Chief Executive Officer, Athabasca Tribal Council
karla.buffalo@atcfn.ca
Main Office Phone: (780) 791-6538