By Sam Bennison/Adam Berls

Indigenous news

Simpcw Nation opens new child and family prevention services program in Prince George

Feb 28, 2024 | 11:25 AM

LHEIDLI T’ENNEH—The Simpcw First Nation has gotten together to celebrate the grand opening of it’s urban prevention services office to keep their culture, language, families and traditional decision-making alive and available for members who live away from their traditional territory.

“We worked hard for this day and now our families in need will receive a variety of preventative family supports tailored to their circumstances that can include food, clothing, shelter, transportation, counselling, and assistance navigating the Ministry’s community services sector,” said Alison Green, Simpcw Councillor. “Reaching this agreement was not without its challenges, however, as Simpcw has proven many times, we are solution-oriented and we always find a way to get things done. I am proud of the collaborative working relationship we have developed with MCFD as evidenced by this agreement that will help prevent our children from coming into care, and, strengthen our families away from home.”

The project is a partnership with the Province and builds upon Tcwesétmentem: Walking Together Agreement, B.C.’s first community agreement. This new office was built alongside an office in New Westminster, B.C.

“I am really proud today as our Council fulfils a commitment, we made to our Simpcw members over the past two years at our jurisdiction development meetings,” said Kukpi7 (Chief) George Lampreau. “Our away-from-home members asked for the same family support and cultural services that our people receive in Simpcw on a daily basis. I’m really happy that this agreement, the first in the province’s history, enables us to provide support for our families’ experiencing challenges in the North and Lower Mainland regions.”

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In addition to supports for Simpcw families, the two year pilot project will offer new information and insights to the Ministry of Children and Family Development as it co-develops a new funding model to support Indigenous Nations’ jurisdiction over child and family services in B.C. The new funding model is expected to be completed in Spring of 2025.

“Simpcw families living away from home in urban areas will now be able to benefit from prevention and early intervention supports, provided directly by Simpcw members and in accordance with Simpcw culture and traditions,” said Mitzi Dean, Minister of Children and Family Development. “Families can receive a variety of supports, including counselling, light housekeeping, respite, food and clothing vouchers, and more to enhance families’ overall safety and well-being, made possible through Simpcw’s community agreement, the first one signed in the province.”

The new office is located on Fourth Avenue, Prince George, B.C.

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Email: sam.bennison@pattisonmedia.com