The health and well-being of Métis children, youth, and families in Alberta have been and remains one of the Métis Nation of Alberta’s (MNA) top priorities.

This has been reflected in resolutions passed by the MNA Annual General Assembly (AGA) dating back to at least 1998, and has been most recently confirmed in a resolution passed at the 93rd AGA in August 2021, which states that:

The MNA is authorized to exercise the Métis Nation within Alberta’s inherent jurisdiction over child and family services, including through the development of a Métis law related to child and family services, the negotiation of related interim agreements, and/or any other necessary or related actions required to advance or exercise that jurisdiction.

This was reiterated on February 24, 2023 in the Métis Nation within Alberta Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Agreement, RE: Child and Family Services:

Canada recognizes that the Métis Government is an Indigenous Governing Body for the purposes of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families having jurisdiction, including legislative authority, in relation to child and family services to administer and enforce laws made under that legislative authority.

MNA-CFS COMMITTEE

VISION

Thriving Métis communities that support Métis children, youth and families.

MISSION

To empower and build on the strengths of Métis children, youth, and families by creating safe spaces in community

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

We value, believe, and are committed to supporting “Our children, our way” by being:

  1. Committed to Culture
  2. Connected
  3. Empowering
  4. Holistic
  5. Respectful
  6. Restorative
  7. Strength-based

MNA C-92 Activities To Date

  • November 8, 2021: MNA-CFS Committee finalized Terms of Reference
  • February 2022: Partnered with Rupertsland Center for Métis Research (RCMR) to complete Reclaiming Our Children: Exercising Métis Child and Family Services Jurisdiction Under Act C-92
  • Drafted “What We Heard” document reflecting MNA Citizens’ experiences with Child and Family Services in Alberta
  • Completed environmental scan summarizing existing Indigenous child and family service models and family service laws
  • January 12, 2023: Participated in Métis Talks to share information on Act C-92
  • June 12 – July 27 2023: Hosted Act C-92 Engagement Sessions across Alberta.

In Progress

  1. Drafting Model of Care
  2. Developing Business and Operational Plan
  3. Citizen Engagement Plan
  4. Website Refresh

Looking Forward

In 2023, we will be planning engagement sessions with Métis Citizens to gather community considerations for a Métis service-delivery model.

Contact Us

Carol Carifelle-Brzezicki
Strategic Development Advisor
Phone 780-455-2200

MNA Resolutions Regarding Act C-92

December 6, 2019– Métis Nation of Alberta Provincial Council Resolution RE: An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families resolved that;

  • the MNA, on behalf of the Métis Nation within Alberta, intends to exercise its legislative authority in relation to child and family services;
  • the MNA is authorized to give notice to the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada and the Alberta Minister of Children Services of the MNA intention to exercise its legislative authority in relation to child and family services; and
  • the MNA is authorized to request that the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada and the Alberta Minister of Children Services enter into a coordination Agreement with the MNA regarding any and all matters related to its legislative authority in relation to Child and Family Services and/or covered by the Act.

August 21, 2021 – 93rd Annual General Assembly Ordinary Resolution RE: Exercising child and family services jurisdiction under An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families:

The MNA is authorized to exercise the Métis Nation within Alberta’s inherent jurisdiction over child and family services, including through the development of a Métis law related to child and family services, the negotiation of related interim agreements, and/or any other necessary or related actions required to advance or exercise that jurisdiction.

February 24, 2023 – Métis Nation within Alberta Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Agreement RE: Child and Family Services:

Canada recognizes that the Métis Government is an Indigenous Governing Body for the purposes of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families having jurisdiction, including legislative authority, in relation to child and family services to administer and enforce laws made under that legislative authority.

Additional Information