The child welfare agency in Peguis First Nation has reported positive outcomes from a system established through a significant 2023 agreement, despite the community chief’s call to end the arrangement over oversight concerns. Former Chief Glenn Hudson, who was in office when the agreement was made, disagreed with Chief Dr. Stan Bird’s view, emphasizing the need for collaboration rather than termination of the agreement.
Chief Bird, accompanied by Southern Chiefs’ Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels, urged for the termination of the previously praised agreement, alleging that the current system is failing at various levels and advocating for enhanced independent oversight to safeguard children and families. In 2023, under Hudson’s leadership, Peguis became the first Indigenous community in Manitoba to enter into a coordination agreement with the federal and provincial governments, transferring child welfare authority to Peguis and establishing Peguis Child and Family Services.
This initiative was made feasible by the passage of federal Bill C-92 in 2019, granting Indigenous communities the power to assume control over local child welfare. Peguis CFS recently released a statement asserting that the system is functioning exceptionally well, highlighting data indicating a significant decrease in the number of children entering care and a high percentage of children placed with family or loved ones in culturally appropriate settings.
While Bird raised concerns about the agreement lacking proper safeguards and accountability mechanisms, Hudson stressed the importance of maintaining the agreement, asserting that the decision-making authority now rests with Peguis CFS for the benefit of children and families. The dispute between the two chiefs extends to an ongoing legal battle over the election results, with Hudson seeking to overturn Bird’s victory in the 2023 election. Manitoba Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine is set to meet with Chief Bird to address his concerns, emphasizing the need for a closer examination of the agreement and potential improvements.