LHTAKO DENE NATION LHTAKOH NE’USKEH INK’EZ NENATNEKE BAYOH COMMUNITY AGREEMENT

Quesnel, B.C. – [October 8, 2025] – Lhtako Dene Nation (LDN) has reached a significant milestone on its pathway to jurisdiction by signing a Child and Family Services Agreement under section 92.1 of the Child, Family and Community Services Act. This historic step strengthens the relationship between Lhtako Dene Nation and the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), ensuring the Nation is included in all discussions and decisions about Lhtako Dene children.

Lhtako Dene Nation is actively pursuing full jurisdiction over child and family services under the Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Children, Youth, and Families (C92). This Agreement supports capacity-building within the Nation while advancing the work toward resuming its inherent jurisdiction. It also reflects a journey of dialogue and negotiation between LDN and MCFD that began in May 2025—marking an important milestone in co-operation and reconciliation between B.C. and Lhtako Dene Nation.

The Agreement emphasizes the Best Interests of Lhtako Dene children and youth and establishes guiding principles rooted in the Nation’s cultural values. By embedding Lhtako Dene knowledge, traditions, and practices into child and family services, the Agreement promotes cultural continuity and meaningful Nation involvement in all aspects of service delivery.

As part of the Agreement, community designates, appointed by Lhtako Dene Chief and Council and working in collaboration with the ministry, will provide 24/7 support for child welfare matters. This ensures LDN is fully engaged in all decisions made by ministry directors regarding the care and wellbeing of its children, youth, and families.

The Agreement will be formally signed on October 8, 2025. While legally binding on that date, it will become operational provincewide on January 8, 2026. This three-month transition period will allow LDN and MCFD to co-develop and deliver training to ministry staff.

The signing of this Agreement is aligned with section 4.17 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) Action Plan 2022–2027, which commits to working with First Nations, Métis Peoples, and Inuit to substantially reduce the number of Indigenous children in care through increased prevention and family support services.