Curve Lake First Nation and the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society
(KHCAS) have completed a year-long review of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), a document which has been in place for the past thirty years, and the first of its kind in Ontario.
Amendments to the agreement reinforce the commitment of both Curve Lake First Nation and KHCAS to provide community driven, culturally appropriate services to Indigenous families and children.
The review has broadened the scope of services provided under the Memorandum in recognition of the rights of Curve Lake First Nation to make decisions and be involved in planning for its members, especially children who are at risk of separation from parents or caregivers.
The revised MOU now includes planning and services for children in care as well as for Curve Lake First Nation families and children living in the Nation and in the urban areas served by KHCAS. The broadened scope of the MOU aligns with return of the mandate activities taking place across child welfare and is supported by the KHCAS Indigenous Strategy.
This work also further supports announcements made earlier this month by the provincial government and the Anishinabek Nation which outlined their actions to transform the system of services for Anishinabek children and youth in Ontario to better meet needs through community-driven, integrated and culturally appropriate supports.
Commenting on the recent changes that were made to the MOU, Jennifer Wilson, Executive Director of the Kawartha-Haliburton CAS said, “The amendments that have been made to this MOU are an important and necessary step in the evolution of the partnership and relationship between KHCAS and Curve Lake First Nation. They reinforce our commitment to continuing to transform the way in which child welfare services are provided to the children and families in the community.”
Curve Lake First Nation Chief Phyllis Williams added, “This MOU and its review solidifies our partnership, obligations, responsibilities, and commitment to the children and youth. The rights of children are at the forefront. Authority rests with the First Nation and the supports and relationship we have had with the KHCAS over many years assists our efforts to keep our children in the community and connected to the community. We best understand the need to maintain the cultural and traditional child rearing and nurturing.”
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For additional information contact: Bonnie Perrigard, Communications, Community and Stakeholder Relations Coordinator, 613-962-9291, ext. 2202 or 800-267-0570, ext. 2202, or for Curve Lake First Nation, Krista Coppaway, Communications and Community Engagement Officer KristaC@curvelake.ca or 705-657-8045.
