Child welfare systems improved

Chiefs from nine southern Vancouver Island First Nations and the province signed a Child and Family Wellness accord in the B.C. legislature Dec. 15 that will help improve child welfare services. “This accord is not just a document,” Premier Christy Clark said. “It is a commitment to healthy communities by building healthy families.” The accord will give Aboriginal people a say in shaping a child welfare system that respects Aboriginal culture and allow the First Nations to have a say in responding rather than stepping first to apprehension. The Pauquachin Nation, Esquimalt Nation, Tsartlip First Nation, Tseycum First Nation, T’Sou-ke First Nation, Beecher Bay First Nation, Tsawout First Nation, Songhees First Nation and Pacheedaht First Nation, as well as the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, were signatories to the accord.