(Wendake) “A historic breakthrough”. It is in these words that representatives of the Atikamekw nation of Opitciwan and the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL) on Wednesday described the new youth protection law recently adopted by the Council of community band. This is a first in Quebec.
“It is an outcome, it is a long term job, it is a work of the leaders who fought against the governments”, declared the head of Opitciwan, Jean-Claude Mequish, in a press conference.
The event, broadcast live on Facebook, took place in front of a full house at the Hôtel-Musée des Premieres Nations in Wendake. It brought together several heads and directors of social services and indigenous youth protection.
“We don’t need Canada on the right, we don’t need Quebec on the left,” said AFNQL chief Ghislain Picard. We are able to do things ourselves and that is what is extremely significant. ”
The community of Opitciwan has thus taken a step towards self-determination. Its social services will focus on the extended family to prevent children in difficulty from being sent away from home and thus losing their language and culture.
“We will not hide it, we are experiencing serious social problems,” admitted Jean-Claude Mequish, identifying overcrowded housing as the cause.
The adoption of its own youth protection law was made possible thanks to C-92. This federal law, which came into force in January 2020, recognizes the jurisdiction of Indigenous people, Inuit and Métis people in child and family services.
However, the Quebec government is challenging this federal law in court because it encroaches on its area of jurisdiction.
The Atikamekw Social Protection Law Opitciwan will come into force on January 17, 2022. In the meantime, Quebec’s youth protection legislation will continue to apply.
Nine notices of intent for 15 other communities to manage their children’s services have been sent to the federal and Quebec governments. Four other requests to allow 22 communities to conclude a coordination agreement were also sent.
Opticiwan is the third in the country to adopt its own youth protection legislation.