From the Toronto Star—OTTAWA—The Supreme Court of Canada has upheld a law that gives Indigenous nations sole jurisdiction over the welfare of Indigenous children in a landmark challenge of federal legislation by Quebec.
In a decision released Friday, Canada’s highest court ruled unanimously that Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families may affirm that Indigenous governments have the sole right to decide how Indigenous children are cared for.
“It’s a new day for Canada, certainly. It’s a victory for Canada and for First Nations,” said Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, which was heavily involved in developing the act with the federal government. .