The panel “Indigenous Family Law Governance and Child Protection,” part of the 48th Annual Conference on Families and the Law hosted by CIAJ, offers a unique opportunity to delve into recent developments in Indigenous governance over child and family services. With the long-awaited Supreme Court decision affirming the constitutionality of the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth, and families1, Indigenous communities can now continue exercising their jurisdiction.

A Decisive Shift for Indigenous Child Welfare Self-Governance 

This panel will explore the real-world impact of this historic decision, including maintaining coordination agreements with provincial and federal agencies and strengthening Indigenous communities’ capacity to reduce the harm caused by the removal of children from their families and cultures.

Overcoming the Ongoing Challenges of Indigenous Autonomy

Despite the progress made, significant challenges remain, such as securing adequate funding, implementing policy, and combating entrenched colonial practices. The panel will discuss strategies to ensure the transition toward Indigenous-led governance and reimagine a family law system centered around Indigenous leadership. 

Meet the Experts: Voices at the Heart of Transformation  

• Maggie Wente, a partner at Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP and a member of Serpent River First Nation2. As a lawyer specializing in Indigenous governance, she focuses on equality in child welfare services and helps First Nations exercise their jurisdiction in this area. She also advises on various aspects of First Nations governance, including election codes, membership codes, and land management. 

• Earl Stevenson, Legal Counsel for Peguis First Nation’s Child and Family Services in Winnipeg. He has contributed to developing legislation that restores jurisdiction over family matters to Indigenous communities, emphasizing the importance of creating a culturally relevant and responsive system to meet community needs. 

• Raven-Dominique Gobeil, an attorney at the First Nations Family Advocate Office in Winnipeg. She works with families to challenge decisions made by the child welfare system and ensure that children and families receive the necessary support before any intervention. 

Moderated by a Family Law Expert 

• The Honourable Justice Veronica Jackson, appointed to the Supreme Court of British Columbia in 2018, has had a diverse career as a Crown prosecutor, civil litigator, and Adjunct Professor of Legal Ethics. 

 

---

Join Us at ICAJ’s Annual Conference 

This panel is just one of the many highlights of our 48th Annual Conference on Families and the Law, taking place from October 9-11, 2024, in Winnipeg and online.

Join leading experts to explore the challenges and solutions that will transform the future of the justice system for Canadian families. Register now and don’t miss this unique event! 

 

REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE

About the author