APFA Press Release

June 10, 2004

Williams Lake – Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) Minister Christy Clark got a preview of an upcoming landmark meeting, on June 24-25 in Vancouver entitled the Aboriginal Provincial Forum, regarding frustration aboriginal leadership is having with the provincial government. Min. Clark visited the Cariboo Friendship Society today, on the second anniversary of the signing of the historic Tsawwassen Accord, and fielded genuine concern about a dramatic 66 percent funding cut to the regionalization of aboriginal child welfare.

Speaking on behalf of the Aboriginal Peoples Family Accord (APFA), Union of B.C Indian Chiefs President Stewart Phillip stresses the fact Aboriginal People have an inherent right for jurisdiction over their children and holds up the Memorandum of Understanding for

Aboriginal Children (MOU) as the government’s commitment to resource this process.

“We will continue to press this issue to bring our children home. There is (no other issue) as volatile or emotional with us. We’re reaching a critical point with this ministry and you’ll see for yourself on the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth how high that frustration is,” Stewart promised Clark.

Min. Clark says her ministry is still committed to their pledge of transferring control of child welfare to aboriginal communities. “Budget issues are very tough ones from all different perspectives within the Ministry,” said Clark who points to a $70 million reduction in MCFD funding.

“The work-plan though, once completed, will be adequately funded,” she added.

However, chiefs from across the Interior, the APFA board of directors and APFA political committee confirm APFA staff have developed a three-year work-plan to governance and encourage the Government to restore funding to allow the work to continue. The status quo is unacceptable as the current level of funding reduces the APFA board to a token advisory committee. Aboriginal leadership warn, without the appropriate funding the momentum gained in communities will be lost - along with many aboriginal children to the system.

Min. Clark was asked, from a field of 12 questions, why her ministry makes unilateral decisions, in contrast to the agreement within the MOU.

“I personally feel your answers fall short…Our children from our Nations are being herded by a shepherd other than ourselves,” APFA Political Chairperson Chief Bob Pasco told Clark.

After the meeting with the Minister wrapped up, Chief Phillip believes the message is starting to get through. “She is concerned with what’s going on here and realizes the Interior is different from the other (four) regions. She seems concerned with June 24 th and 25 th.

“If this isn’t addressed, we’ll turn up the heat before the next provincial election,” vows Phillip who believes the Province is more committed to the 2010 Winter Olympics than improving aboriginal child welfare.

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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