Squamish Nation Ayás Mén̓men Child & Family Services congratulates Cowessess First Nation on signing the first Coordination Agreement in Canada.
We offer our heartfelt congratulations to Cowessess First Nation, which has signed the first Coordination Agreement under the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children, youth, and families. Under the Miyo Pimatisowin Act, Cowessess First Nation affirm their rights and jurisdiction over child and family services for all Cowessess citizens and establishes their holistic, traditional, and culturally-based healing model: Chief Red Bear Children’s Lodge. We wish them strength and wisdom as they resume their rightful place in the affairs of their children and families. We anticipate that this will be the first of many coordination agreements as Indigenous communities reassert their inherent right to care for their own children and families.
Squamish Nation update: What are we doing?
The Squamish Nation through Ayás Mén̓men programs and services, guide, protect, and provide for our families and children according to our Chiyaxw (Squamish traditional values and culture). From June to December 2021, the Ayás Mén̓men Project Team are engaging our membership by presenting what this unique opportunity means for our Nation and seeking community input on affirming our own inherent rights and jurisdiction over child and family services.
Our current progress includes:
-Presentations to council;
-Consultations with our hereditary Chiefs;
-A survey, 45+ responses to date;
-And continued Family meetings, focus groups, and workshops.
Please check the weekly Syetsm newsletters for updates or email AmmComm@squamish.net for more information.
