Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations Sign Agreement On Jurisdiction Pathway

Members of Gwa’sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations have celebrated a significant milestone this week, signing a child and family services agreement with the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

“We as Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations are pleased with the signing of this agreement, as it is one step closer to self-governance and respecting our ways of doing things. We look forward to making decisions in the best interest of our children in care,” said Chief Terry Walkus.

“We will be working closely with all families to ensure the return home of Gwa’sala and ‘Nakwaxda’xw children.”

The agreement is an important step on the Nations’ journey to take back jurisdiction over protecting and uplifting their children and families based on their own laws and culture.

The community agreement was signed to guide interactions, planning and decision-making specific to child welfare decisions and to support the Nation’s children and youth to remain safely connected to their families, culture, and community.

Community designates, appointed by Chief and Council and collaborating with the ministry, will provide 24/7 support for child-welfare matters as they arise and ensure the Nation is fully involved in decisions that ministry directors make regarding their children and families.

For more information, visit Government of British Columbia.