Canada, Saskatchewan and First Nations in Saskatchewan Sign Historic Child Welfare Framework

REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN, Jul 22 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern
Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians,
together with the Honourable Donna Harpauer, Saskatchewan Minister of
Social Services and Vice Chief Guy Lonechild, Federation of Saskatchewan
Indian Nations today announced an historic framework for First Nations
child and family services in Saskatchewan.

"The agreement we are signing today is an example of our government's
commitment to work with stakeholders to build healthier, stronger First
Nations communities," said Minister Strahl. "This new approach will help
to ensure First Nations families in Saskatchewan receive the support and
services they need before they reach crisis."

The Government of Canada has invested $104.8 million in new funding to
the Saskatchewan child and family services framework over five years.
This investment provides First Nations agencies with new resources that
identify a family's need before a child is removed from the family home.

"Together with our federal and First Nations partners, we share a
commitment to ensuring Saskatchewan children grow up happy and healthy in
a safe, nurturing environment," said Minister Harpauer. "This investment
will allow us to support families at-risk by providing services and tools
to help them to care for their children."

"Now with the announcement of prevention funding the First Nations Child
and Family Service Agencies can start to work towards a truly positive
change," said Vice Chief Lonechild. "And will finally be able to look at
other answers beside apprehension services to support children and
families."

This framework with the province and First Nations in Saskatchewan is an
effective model for other provinces and First Nations agencies that may
wish to discuss similar arrangements for an enhanced prevention-focused
approach. It shares the vision of the Alberta Response Mode. The
tripartite agreement signed in Alberta last year ensures First Nations
families receive appropriate child and family services in a timely manner.

This news release and backgrounder is also available on the Internet at
www.inac.gc.ca

Contacts:
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Ottawa, ON
Minister's Office, Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Josee Bellemare
Press Secretary
819-997-0002

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Media Relations
819-953-1160

Province of Saskatchewan
Regina, SK
Saskatchewan Social Services
Debbie Clark
Communications
306-787-8689

Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN)
Saskatoon, SK
Mervin Brass
Communications
306-956-1026

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