Agreement signed

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BLOOD RESERVE -An agreement that is the first of its kind in Alberta since the Government of Canada introduced its Inherent Right of Self-Government Policy in1995 has been signed by Chief Chris Shade and Robert Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development on April 5.

"By the signing of this framework agreement and through the dedicated efforts of both the Blood Tribe and federal negotiation teams we are another step closer to administering our own Child Welfare for the Blood Tribe membership," said Chief Chris Shade.

The 8,787 member Blood Tribe has operated Child and Family Services on their reserve since 1996 under a tripartite agreement that it signed with Canada and Alberta. Under this agreement the Bloods had to adhere to certain provincial standards.

Now a negotiating team made up of representatives from the tribe, the province, and Indian Affairs are working out new standards that should be completed by the end of the year.

"This framework agreement reflects Canada's commitment to supporting Aboriginal self-government initiatives as a basis for creating secure, self-reliant First Nation communities," said Minister Nault.

"The Blood Tribe is to be commended for its work in ensuring members have a child welfare system that will meet the needs of their community now and in the future," he said.