MKO 22nd LEGISLATIVE GOVERNMENT HOUSE
Annual General Assembly Opaskwayak Cree Nation
September 9, 10, 11, 2003

Introduction

The Aboriginal Justice Inquiry - Child Welfare Initiative (AJI-CWI) is a joint process to restructure the existing child and family services system in Manitoba. The parties to the AJI-CWI include the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) and the Province of Manitoba.

In the new child and family services system, the delivery of services will be much more of a shared responsibility between the Province and Aboriginal peoples. The most fundamental change is the delegation of responsibility for the delivery of child and family services from the Province to four new child and family services Authorities, three of which are Aboriginal Authorities serving Aboriginal people in Manitoba. The new Authorities are:

• Metis Child and Family Services Authority
• First Nations of Southern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority
• First Nations of Northern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority
• General Child and Family Services Authority (for all other families)

In June 2002, legislation to create the new Authorities and structure was introduced in the Legislative Assembly. Royal Assent was received in August 2002. The Child and Family Services Authorities Act (CFSAA) will come into force upon proclamation, which is expected in September 2003. At this time, the Authorities will assume full statutory powers and responsibilities as set out in the CFSAA.

Northern Authority

The Northern Authority and its affiliated agencies will provide services throughout Manitoba. Northern First Nations children and families will have access to child and family services under the auspices of northern First Nations agencies no matter where they live in Manitoba.

In the new system, the Northern Authority will work in cooperation with the other Authorities and the Province to ensure residents of Manitoba receive services in a timely and efficient way, leaving no child at risk. Under the new governance structure:

• The Province approves and provides funding to the Northern Authority and serves as the final level of appeal in certain matters. The Province maintains ultimate responsibility for the safety and protection of children in Manitoba, and for the overall child and family services system.
• The Northern Authority designs and manages the delivery of child and family services throughout the province for its members, and provides funding to its affiliated agencies. The Northern Authority will be the primary liaison between northern First Nations agencies and the Province.
• The Northern Authority, in collaboration with the other Authorities and the Province design laws, policies and standards.
• Northern First Nations agencies work together with the Northern Authority and the Province in delivering child and family services. Northern First Nations agencies are directly accountable to the Northern Authority.

Throughout the implementation and stabilization phases of the AJI-CWI (February 2002 - October 2004), the Northern Authority and its affiliated agencies and organizations will continue to provide representation on all design teams and working committees to ensure that the interests of northern First Nation members are effectively represented.

Corporate Structure

In May 2002, the MKO Chiefs in Assembly gave direction to establish the Northern Authority (Resolution #2002-05-02). In August 2002, the Northern Authority was officially incorporated.

Affiliated Agencies

The Northern Authority is responsible for the executive management of the service delivery system for First Nations of northern Manitoba. The associated agencies responsible for direct service provision include:

• Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba
• Cree Nation Child and Family Caring Agency
• Island Lake First Nations Family Services
• Kinosao Sipi Minisowin Agency
• Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Family and Community Wellness Centre

Board of Directors

In June 2002, an interim board of directors was appointed for the purposes of incorporation as directed by the MKO Chiefs in Assembly (Resolution #2002-05-02). Its members include the chairpersons or representatives of the five (5) northern First Nations child and family services agencies. In May 2003, as directed by the MKO Chiefs in Assembly (Resolution #2003-05-#2) a new five (5) member board of directors is to be appointed by the MKO Executive Council prior to proclamation of the CFSAA. The Northern Authority Board of Directors will be responsible for final decision-making on the management of service delivery for northern First Nations.

Programs, Services and Functions

The Northern Authority is developing a strategic plan which outlines how it will be structured to provide direction, coordination and support to the northern First Nations child and family services agencies. This process involves:

• Coordinating meetings with agency directors to design a service delivery system;
• Assisting agencies in preparing for service capacity off-reserve in identified areas;
• Negotiating service agreements on behalf of the agencies in regions where they do not have a service presence;
• Developing a model for providing support functions to agencies;
• Developing a model to provide monitoring, compliance and quality assurance;
• Developing funding models for agencies; and
• Developing criteria for mandating agencies

Administration

In the fall of 2002, the Northern Authority Developmental Office was established in Winnipeg based in the MKO Sub-Office. A permanent head office location in northern Manitoba is to be determined by the Northern Authority Board of Directors.

Staffing

Currently, the Northern Authority is comprised of the following staff:

• Chief Executive Officer - Diane Kematch
• Chief Financial Officer - Cheryl Freeman
• Legal Counsel - Kaye Dunlop
• Policy Analyst - Colin Kinsella

Additional positions will be filled in the coming months which may include: Program Development Specialists; an Agency Relations Specialist; and an Administrative Assistant.

Funding

For the 03/04 fiscal year, the proposed budget for the Northern Authority is:

• Core Authority Operating $569,186
• Transition - Authority Development 473,553
• Transition - Service Site Development 183,477 1,226,216

Contact Information

For further information on the Northern Authority, please contact: First Nations of Northern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority Diane Kematch, Chief Executive Officer MKO Sub-Office, 6th Floor - 338 Broadway Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0T2 Phone: (204) 927-7511 Fax:(204) 927-7509