The law, established in less than a year, sets in stone years of knowledge and practice
Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation's (Canim Lake Band) has acquired jurisdiction over its child and family services through its new well-being law.
About a 30-minute drive north east of 100 Mile House, Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation is part of the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council.
The nation's new child-well-being law, known as T'k̓wenm7íple7tens re Kíkwe, came into force on Saturday, Dec. 21 and enshrines all members of the band with the responsibility to guard and care for children, youth and families.
"As Secwépemc, we fight for what we believe in. Mothers, Fathers, Uncles, Aunts, Children and honoured Elders all participate and contribute to the community and its well-being. The practice of sharing assures that all needs are taken care of," said Matriarch Elizabeth Pete, the nation's treaty coordinator and the northern Secwepemc te Qelmúcw Declaration Author, in a press release dated Dec. 23.
The law comes after decades of work by Tsq̓éscen̓ leadership, staff and community, with advice and guidance from Tsq̓éscen̓'s Elders and traditional knowledge keepers. While most Indigenous children's access to child and family services are provided through their province or territory's legislation, this is changing after the 2020 federal establishment of an act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.
The act affirms Indigenous people's rights to self-governance and provides a path forward for nations to provide their own services. British Columbia was the first province to recognize the inherent right of self-government of Indigenous communities by amending its legislation to reflect this in November 2022.
Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation's law takes action on these changes, solidifying the nation's right to care for its own people in a culturally appropriate way.
Services designed to equip individuals with the skills to face life's uncertainties will be delivered by the First Nation's child and family well-being agency, Élksts re Kíkwe. The resources, programs, services, supports and ceremony provided, captured by the word Syecwementwécw, are informed by the nation's traditions.
Jodie Wickens, provincial minister of children and family development, said the nation established the new legislation in under a year, highlighting their commitment to a community which thrives through its own culture and laws.
Patty Hajdu, minister of the country's Indigenous services, congratulated the nation.
"Indigenous children deserve to remain connected to their families and communities," she said.
The nation's Kukpi7 (chief) Helen Henderson said the law is about more than just governance and jurisdiction.
"It is about living our values, honouring our responsibilities and ensuring the health and well-being of our stsmémelt (children), tutuwíwt (youth) and kwesk̓wséltkten (families)," she said.
"We journey -- not toward something new, but toward the continued fulfillment of our sacred responsibilities. Together, we walk with purpose, ensuring our future generations grow in strength, identity, and connection."
T'k̓wenm7íple7tens re Kíkwe, means "Law of the Valerian Plant" in Secwepemctsín -- a plant used traditionally by Tsq̓éscnem̓c to soothe and comfort babies.