APFA Press Release

May 20, 2004

The Aboriginal Peoples Family Accord (APFA) reminds the Provincial government of Aboriginal People’s inherent right for jurisdiction over their children and families. The Province started a community governance initiative, which was supported by Aboriginal People across British Columbia. The unanimous Aboriginal support for this partnership was demonstrated in the Tsawwassen Accord, June 2002, and the Memorandum of Understanding for Aboriginal Children, September 2002.

The government has since proposed a dramatic funding cut of 66 percent to this process, which would curb aboriginal community’s participation in this landmark initiative. Over three years, the cuts to Ministry of Children and Family Development within the Interior were 23 percent.

“We need the Province to live up to their end of the bargain,” said APFA Transition Coordinator Eliza Terbasket. “On one hand, the government says they’re working with Aboriginal People in this province to mend fences and build relationships. But on the other hand, they change the goalposts on an issue that’s essential to the well-being of our children.”

“The inherent right of Aboriginal People for jurisdiction over our children and families has been ignored for too long. We wish to reclaim this inherent right by continuing to engage Aboriginal People and build capacity within aboriginal communities,” stated Political Committee chairperson Chief Bob Pasco.

The APFA is working towards securing more input for Aboriginal People concerning the health and safety of their children and youth. Even though aboriginal children make up only eight percent of this province’s population between 0-18 years, they account for about 45 percent of B.C.’s children in care. By contrast in 1995, aboriginal children made up about 35 percent of this province’s children in care. The current system is not working within aboriginal communities.

“The Aboriginal Peoples Family Accord has always taken a leadership role in ensuring our agenda is heard by government. This government deserves credit for starting this dramatic change in how child welfare services are delivered to Aboriginal People. It is now time for them to reaffirm this commitment,” said APFA Board Chairperson Debbie Abbott.

The APFA is completing a regional child welfare service plan, slated to be released soon, and a detailed three-year work plan outlines the Interior’s transition into a fully operational governance model.

More information is available online at: apfaBC.org or at the Ministry of Children and Family Development website at: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca. If you would like an electronic version of this press release, email your request to: dan.odenbach@gems7.gov.bc.ca

For additional quotes please 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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