Ministry of Children and Family Development
April 18, 2011
$3.7 million to Benefit Aboriginal Families and Children
NANAIMO - Picking up the phone or reaching for the computer may seem like an ordinary daily task. But for employees at Kw'umut Lelum Child and Family Services, having the technology and ability to instantly connect with their remote Penelakut Island satellite office will mean better services and more accessibility for Aboriginal children and families who need help.
The Province is supporting Delegated Aboriginal Agencies through a $3.7-million investment to assist with infrastructure projects - helping ensure they have the capacity to successfully deliver culturally-relevant services to Aboriginal children and families. Children and Family Development Minister Mary McNeil and Parksville-Qualicum MLA Ron Cantelon made the announcement today during a tour of Nanaimo's Kw'umut Lelum Child and Family Services - an Aboriginal society dedicated to the well-being of children from nine surrounding communities.
Delegated Aboriginal Agencies provide a range of services to children and families, including volunteer services, guardianship and child protection services.
The funding has been allocated to 22 delegated Aboriginal agencies and eight Aboriginal organizations in the start-up and planning stages for a total of 30 projects. This funding helps offset infrastructure expenses, including upgrades to systems, staff training, office equipment and current facilities - as delegated agencies develop capacity to deliver services tailored to the unique needs and values of Aboriginal children, youth and families.
The Ministry of Children and Family Development is committed to providing the best possible services for all children and recognizes Aboriginal people are in the very best position to lead development of services for their children and families. First Nation, Urban Aboriginal and Métis Delegated Aboriginal Agencies require upgrades to administration, human resources, communications and facilities to strengthen the delivery of services in their communities.
Quotes:
Mary McNeil, Minister of Children and Family Development:
"We're strongly committed to supporting Aboriginal organizations as they develop the infrastructure they need to be successful in delivering child family services in their communities. We know Aboriginal children and youth flourish when surrounded by their families, communities, culture, language and traditions - and we know the long-term solutions lie with Aboriginal people. That's why it's so important to continue supporting Delegated Aboriginal Agencies as they provide culturally-appropriate Aboriginal child and family services."
Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, B.C.'s Representative for Children and Youth:
"Aboriginal agencies are essential partners in serving children, and connecting Aboriginal agencies and communities to vital supports is crucial to good service. These agencies require infrastructure improvements to ensure services are prompt, effective and linked to wider systems and services that families need to thrive. This is a great step and I congratulate the ministry, Delegated Agencies and service providers."
Ron Cantelon, MLA Parksville-Qualicum:
"This major investment by the Province shows our commitment and support of Delegated Aboriginal Agencies and the valuable work they do for families in this area. The important work of groups like Kw'umut Lelum Child and Family Services in Nanaimo will allow these agencies to do what they do best - provide a vast array of services that will directly improve the lives of Aboriginal children and families."
William Yoachim, executive director, Kw'umut Lelum Child and Family Services:
"We're very thankful for the infrastructure dollars as we've been able to set up a satellite office on Penelakut Island, which will help improve services and accessibility in that community. Also, from this wonderful announcement, we're now able to create a much-needed online cultural orientation tool to share our Coast Salish values and teachings with those involved in the lives of the precious children and youth of Kw'umut Lelum."
Arlene Adie, executive director, Knucwentwecw Society:
"Like other delegated agencies, we sometimes struggle to maintain adequate equipment and facilities - and these needs generally take a back seat as we focus on the important job of providing opportunities to the children, families and communities we serve. This funding allows us to upgrade our equipment and create needed infrastructure while preserving our budget for programs and services."
Tim Payne, director, Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child and Family Services:
"We're very appreciative of the infrastructure funding we've received from the ministry, which has helped us purchase and renovate an urban office. More than 80 per cent of our clients live off-reserve, so this has been an outstanding need for some time. Families can now access services close to their homes."
Quick Facts:
- Kw'umut Lelum is an Aboriginal society dedicated to the well-being of children from: Halalt, Lake Cowichan, Lyackson, Malahat, Penelakut, Qualicum, Snaw-naw-as, Snuneymuxw and Stz'uminus.
- The organization was formed and received Guardianship Services Delegation in 1997. In 2002, a Delegation Confirmation Agreement was signed. In 2009, an extension agreement was signed, effective until 2014.
- There are approximately 4,622 registered on-reserve band members for the nine communities Kw'umut Lelum serves.
- Delegated Aboriginal Agencies currently serve 44 per cent of the approximately 4,654 Aboriginal children in care in the province.
- Delegation agreements return historic responsibilities for child and family services to Aboriginal communities.
- There are 22 Operational Delegated Aboriginal Agencies in B.C. representing approximately 114 First Nations bands as well as Urban Aboriginal and Métis communities.
- Of the 22 operational agencies, nine are delegated to provide full child-protection services, 10 provide guardianship services and three provide only voluntary services.
- There are eight agencies in the delegation planning process, representing an additional 31 Aboriginal communities.
- In total approximately 145 First Nations, Urban Aboriginal and Métis communities have Operational Delegated Agencies or are in some phase of delegation planning.
Learn More:
For more information about Delegated Aboriginal Agencies, please visit:
http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/about_us/aboriginal/delegated/index.htm
For more about Aboriginal Child and Family Development, please visit:
http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/about_us/aboriginal/index.htm
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