The Stasmamlt Issue: Bringing Our Children Home
2009
Big things come in small packages. That’s what the chiefs of the Secwepemc nation who gathered in Kamloops at the end of March believe when it comes to Secwepemc children.
“If you believe that the children are our future then the future is now,” emphasizes Chief Wayne Christian of Splatsin.
Chief Christian was among fourteen Secwepemc chiefs who attended the forum. During the course of the three day forum participants took part in Ministry of Child and Family Development, and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada discussion panels, and political discussions which led to the signing of a precedent setting protocol agreement between the chiefs.
The protocol agreement declares the commitment of the chiefs to work collectively as a united Secwepemc nation towards the recovery of jurisdiction over children and families within the traditional Secwepemc territory, and with accordance to cultural beliefs.
Furthermore, the protocol declares an intention to actively seek and find resources to support such a community-based initiative. The hope is to develop long-term sustainability and support for Secwepemc children and families to ensure the wellbeing of both.
All fourteen chiefs present signed the protocol setting a precedent that we hope will lead Secwepemc families towards a bright and unified future.
“We are turning a page in our history where governments by law took the responsibility away from our grandparents and parents to look after the children, to where we will become responsible once again for the children and those yet unborn,” notes Chief Christian with regards to the signing.
The protocol was then given to Chief Michael LeBourdais of Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band to present to the remaining three communities who were not in attendance for support.
Background
On December 6th, 2006 the chiefs of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council (SNTC) passed a resolution that catalyzed the movement towards regaining jurisdiction over children and families of the Secwepemc nation.
With the recognition that children are the foundation of Secwepemc strength the resolution recognized the SNTC’s intent to find alternatives to the Aboriginal People’s Family Accord (APFA).
It was resolved that the APFA did not recognize the Secwepemc’s inherent jurisdiction and traditional territory, nor did it account for cultural differences.
The chiefs of the SNTC then proceeded to initiate partnerships with the northern chiefs of the Secwepemc nation, and the various delegated agencies operating within the territory in order to identify and implement an alternative to the Province’s current child welfare legislation.
Following in the footsteps of the Tsawwassen Accord, the chiefs of the Secwepemc nation in partnership with the SNTC hosted the Secwepemc Chiefs Special Forum: The Stsmamlt Issue in late March 2009 with the intent being to rally support for a similar movement within the Secwepemc nation.
“We, as Secwepemc People, bound by One Mind, One Heart, One Body and One spirit, affirm our commitment, our unity and our moral, spiritual, traditional and political responsibility to work together as a Nation in a community-driven process to secure the individual and collective survival, dignity and wellbeing of our children,” reads the agreement signed at the Secwepemc Chiefs Special Forum.
Currently, the agreement boasts fifteen signatures.
Taking Action
It’s commonly understood that actions speak louder than words, and the outcome of the Secwepemc Chiefs Special Forum is no exception.
Although, no one can dispute the importance of the signing of a protocol agreement between the chiefs of the Secwepemc nation indicating their intent to act together towards a common goal (the protection of Secwepemc children), when it comes down to it the results are what really count.
In order to implement a nation-based approach that supports the autonomy of individual communities over their own child and family services, the signatories have developed a five step proposed action plan.
Step 1: Community Benchmark Study
To assess the state of children and families in individual communities and to evaluate their needs a benchmark study will be conducted between May and July this year.
Step 2: Individual Community Plans
Following the completion of the benchmark study, and the review of its results each community will engage in its own planning project that will address the needs of their community, but will align with the fundamental ideas of the protocol.
Step 3: Reconciliation Ceremony
During the Kamloopa Pow Wow this August a ceremony will be held reintroducing Secwepemc children in care with their families and culture. The ceremony will also serve to acknowledge the efforts of, and introduce foster parents to Secwepemc culture.
Step 4: Measurement against the Benchmark Study
A measurement study is intended to be conducted using the data collected during the benchmark study. Recommendations to improve the current community situations will be offered to inspire development and adjustment.
Step 5: Nation-Based Reporting Back
Once the year has drawn to a close next March the Secwepemc chiefs will reconvene to present on their benchmark findings, the progress and success of their community plans, and to share in best practices to inspire future cross-community political support.
For more information please contact our communications coordinator:
Billie Sasakamoose
T: (250) 828-9732
F: (250) 374-6331
Email Billie Sasakamoose
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