The Atikamekw of Opitciwan First Nation is one step closer to self-government today, signing Quebec's first funding agreement using the framework provided by of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.
Mr. Jean-Claude Mequish, Chief of the Conseil des Atikamekw of Opitciwan (Atikamekw of Opitciwan Council) and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, have signed a bilateral agreement marking the culmination of two years of discussions. The agreement, entitled Mamo miro kanawerimatan awacak ("Together, for the good of children"), provides the Conseil des Atikamekw of Opitciwan with funding for two years to implement services provided for under Loi de la protection sociale Atikamekw d'Opitciwan (the Atikamekw of Opitciwan social protection law). The agreement will enable the organization to finance the services it provides to community members both within the community and elsewhere in Quebec.
The agreement supports the Conseil des Atikamekw d'Opitciwan in exercising legislative jurisdiction following the coming into force of their Loi de la protection sociale Atikamekw d'Opitciwan on January 17, 2022. This Indigenous law enables the Conseil des Atikamekw d'Opitciwan to provide its own child and family services in a manner adapted to their culture and values.
To that end, Canada has committed to provide $78,222,703 over the two years of the agreement for the ongoing implementation of the Loi de la protection sociale Atikamekw d'Opitciwan. Funding to support capital projects, infrastructure and equipment may be added.
As the Supreme Court of Canada stated in its opinion concerning the validity of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, concerted action by provincial and federal governments is required in the area of child and family services in an Indigenous context. Canada and the Atikamekw of Opitciwan First Nation are firmly committed to continuing the collaborative work begun in the discussions that led to this agreement with the Province of Quebec.
The Atikamekw of Opitciwan First Nation and Canada recognize that the agreement is the result of collaborative efforts and is rooted in the shared understanding that Indigenous children and families should thrive in their communities, surrounded by their loved ones and the richness of their cultures, with lasting impacts for generations to come.
