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- calendar_today October 29, 2026
Premier Simpson Commits to Transfer of Child and Family Services
At the Akaitcho Territory government's annual general assembly in Dettah, Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson announced his commitment to transferring the responsibility for child and family services to Akaitcho First Nations, provided they request it. "Let's start it today," Simpson declared in response to chiefs and delegates raising concerns about the current state of services for children and families.
Concerns Raised Over Foster Care and Cultural Separation
The discussion at the annual general assembly, held on October 28, 2026, centered on issues such as children in foster care being separated from their families, communities, and culture. Leaders highlighted how a housing shortage contributes to some children being placed in foster care outside their communities. These concerns pointed to ongoing gaps in the delivery of child and family services by the territory.
Akaitcho First Nations Leaders Welcome the Move
Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation Chief James Marlowe expressed strong support for Simpson’s commitment, noting that local control would enable communities to care for their children in accordance with their culture and traditions. Marlowe indicated that ensuring appropriate funding and resources, as well as proper consultation, would be vital first steps for assuming responsibility over child and family services.
Auditor General Reports Highlight Systemic Issues
Multiple audits by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada have revealed significant failings within Northwest Territories child welfare, including lapses in foster home safety checks, missed timelines on welfare checks, and overloaded case workers managing more than triple the territory's internal maximum caseload.
Legal Pathways for Indigenous Jurisdiction
An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families became federal law in 2019, affirming the inherent right of Indigenous governments to exercise control over child and family services. First Nations can choose to negotiate co-ordination agreements with territorial and federal governments, giving Indigenous law the same authority as federal law in this area. However, in cases of legal conflict, territorial and federal laws may still take precedence.
Next Steps and Timeline
Premier Simpson indicated that the Yellowknives Dene First Nation has already shown interest in pursuing the process. The Department of Health and Social Services will follow up to initiate next steps. While there is no set timeline, Simpson referenced a funding agreement process with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation that took over two years to establish as an example. The premier reiterated the government’s support for Indigenous governments taking over this jurisdiction, emphasizing that children unable to stay at home should remain as connected as possible to their family, community, and culture. Ultimately, Simpson stated, the ideal outcome is a First Nation-led system with capacity to provide culturally safe services to its members.
Source: cbc.ca.
