APFA Press Release

Sept. 9, 2003
The Aboriginal Peoples Family Accord (APFA) applauds the Hon. Gordon Hogg, Minister of Children & Family Development, for reaffirming his commitment to regional governance for aboriginal people within British Columbia. This comes in the wake of Deputy Minister Chris Haynes hiring a consultant, Doug Allen, to review the plan for regional governance for MCFD services ranging from child protection to youth justice.

"We are still as a government totally committed to moving to community-based governments.Certainly within the 12 months I'm hopeful that we'll have part of it up and running," stated Hogg on Vancouver radio recently.

The provincial government started a community governance initiative, which has been supported by every First Nation and the Métis Nation in the province. The unanimous Aboriginal support for this partnership was demonstrated in the Tsawwassen Accord and the Memorandum of Understanding which was signed one year ago today. The APFA stresses such partnerships cannot be turned on and off, and it's essential their board of directors and political committee remain in place to achieve the goal of self governance.

Debbie Abbott, chair of the APFA Board of Directors, says hearing the minister reaffirm his support for a course of action, which dates back to March 2002, is reassuring. "This is a lengthy process, one that doesn't happen overnight. The APFA commends Minister Hogg for his continuing commitment to improving outcomes for aboriginal children and youth."

The APFA is working towards securing more input for aboriginal people, including First Nations, urban aboriginal communities and the Métis Nation, concerning the health and safety of their children, youth. Even though aboriginal children make up only eight percent of this province's population between 0-18 years, as of June they accounted for about 45 percent of B.C.'s children in care. In 1995, aboriginal children made up about 35 percent of this province's children in care.

APFA Transition Coordinator Eliza Terbasket is encouraged Hogg is not moving away from regional governance which will give aboriginal people a role in managing the welfare of the most vulnerable members of their communities.

"With Minister Hogg committing to keep this important process on track, there will be more support for aboriginal communities to exercise their inherent right with respect to jurisdiction over the safety and well being our children and families," said Terbasket.

More information about this Ministry of Children and Family Development process is available online at: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca

For further information contact APFA spokespeople:

Bob Pasco Political Chair (250) 455-2711

Eliza Terbasket Transition Coordinator (250) 707-0095 ext.117

Debbie Abbott Board Chair (250) 455-2711

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