Working together for Indigenous children and youth

Enoch Cree Nation and Children’s Services share the goal of ensuring kids are safe and connected to their family, culture and communities. This agreement reaffirms the commitment to working collaboratively to advance these goals.

“Chief Morin is a passionate and driven leader and I’m grateful for both his and Enoch Cree Nation’s commitment to work together for the well-being of their young people. Whether it’s supporting child care or keeping Indigenous families together, I look forward to our continued work to make sure Enoch children and youth have access to the best possible supports.”

“Too often our children are lost in bureaucracy and jurisdictional red tape, so I applaud Minister Schulz and the Government of Alberta for taking a practical, tangible step toward reconciliation with this agreement. Together, we are now partners in protecting children and commit to working together to improve the lives of our youth today and our future generations yet to come.”

The letter of intent outlines the following priorities for the collaborative work:

• The cultural continuity, substantive equality and best interests of Enoch Cree Nation children, youth and families.
• The well-being of Enoch Cree Nation children, including their relationships with their parents, family members and preserving their cultural identity and connections to the language and territory of Enoch Cree Nation.
• Advance Children Services’ understanding of Enoch Cree Nation’s vision for child and family services.
• Explore approaches for Enoch Cree Nation to increase the exercise of their jurisdiction over child and family services.

Children Services is also working with Enoch Cree Nation to provincially license an on-reserve child care centre.

Children’s Services and Enoch Cree Nation will establish a senior officials working group that would meet regularly and focus on the well-being and best interests of Enoch Cree Nation children and youth and families.