The child welfare agency in charge of overseeing services in Peguis First Nation recently shared data indicating that a system established through a historic 2023 agreement is functioning effectively. This stands in contrast to the call made by Chief Dr. Stan Bird to discontinue the arrangement due to concerns about oversight. Former Chief Glenn Hudson, who was in office when the agreement was made, disagrees with Chief Bird’s assessment, stating that the system is operating well but emphasizes the importance of engaging with oversight and other stakeholders rather than scrapping the agreement.
Chief Bird, together with Southern Chiefs’ Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels, held a press conference last week advocating for the termination of the previously praised agreement. Chief Bird expressed that the current system is failing at various levels and highlighted the necessity for enhanced independent oversight to safeguard children and families.
In 2023, under Hudson’s leadership, Peguis became the first Indigenous community in Manitoba to enter into a coordination agreement with the federal and provincial governments, transferring child welfare authority to Peguis, leading to the establishment of Peguis Child and Family Services. This shift was made possible by federal Bill C-92, enacted in 2019, granting Indigenous communities the power to manage local child welfare services.
Subsequent to Chief Bird’s recent comments, Peguis CFS released a statement affirming that the system is performing exceptionally well. The agency cited data showing a significant decrease in the number of children entering care, with the vast majority being placed in culturally appropriate settings with family members or loved ones.
Peguis CFS also updated sections of its website, including information on how individuals can file complaints with the agency’s quality assurance coordinator. Despite requesting a comment, CBC News did not receive a response from Peguis Child and Family Services before publication.
Hudson believes that any concerns raised by Peguis leadership should be addressed internally with Peguis CFS, advocating for the retention of the agreement. He mentioned that certain Peguis council members are not in favor of terminating the arrangement.
Hudson emphasized the significance of the agreement in granting control and jurisdiction over child welfare to Peguis, ensuring the best outcomes for children and families under the community’s authority. He highlighted the extensive community consultations held before finalizing the 2023 agreement.
A meeting is scheduled between Manitoba Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine and Chief Bird to discuss his concerns. Chief Bird reiterated the need for renegotiating the agreement to include safeguards, oversight, accountability, and quality assurance mechanisms for children and families.
Chief Bird pointed to the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth as a model for independent oversight, stressing the necessity for an external review mechanism. He highlighted the absence of such a mechanism for Peguis children and families.
Manitoba Foster Parent Association president Jamie Pfau expressed support for kinship and customary care models, echoing Chief Bird’s call for increased oversight. Pfau highlighted concerns raised by foster parents and emphasized the importance of protecting children and families within the Peguis community.