First Nations in northwestern Ontario taking ownership of child-family services on road to federal reform
Canada has reached a critical juncture in the way families, child and family service agencies and First Nations interact after court rulings found a legacy of systemic discrimination within the child welfare system. As NAN communities look to take ownership of their child and family services, Sandy Lake First Nation's band rep program can serve as a model for other First Nations in helping keep families together.
![First Nations in northwestern Ontario taking ownership of child-family services on road to federal reform](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7135934.1709762376!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/sandy-lake-first-nation-band-rep-office.jpg)
![Members of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) and Sandy Lake First Nation celebrate the grand opening of Sandy Lake's band representative office in Thunder Bay, Ont. From left: NAN Deputy Grand Chief Bobby Narcisse, Jackie Rae, Sandy Lake Chief Delores Kakegamic, Elder Lillian Harper, and Rachael Anishinabie. Five people stand in a doorway and cut a large yellow ribbon.](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7135934.1709762376!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/sandy-lake-first-nation-band-rep-office.jpg)
Canada has reached a critical juncture in the way families, child and family service agencies and First Nations interact after court rulings found a legacy of systemic discrimination within the child welfare system. As NAN communities look to take ownership of their child and family services, Sandy Lake First Nation's band rep program can serve as a model for other First Nations in helping keep families together.