The Final Report
The underfunding of programs for children and families is an issue in First Nation communities across Canada. It is a direct result of federal policy. For example, funding for the Lil’wat Wellness Centre activities has remained fixed at about $350,000 for more than 20 years. This lack of investment into communities leads to discrimination for First Nations children, youth and families receiving services from federally funded programs.
As a consequence of this discrimination, a complaint was brought to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. Multiple times Canada was ordered to address the discrimination. Finally, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, the Assembly of First Nations, and Indigenous Services Canada negotiated a settlement. The settlement addresses historical underfunding and changes the funding formula going forward.
For Lil’wat, this means that the Community Social Services department will receive a one-time payment of $7.3 million and an annual budget increase for Lil’wat Wellness Centre activities from around $350,000 annually to approximately $1.5 million annually. This new funding is an opportunity to make significant changes in the way the Community Social Services department supports Lil’wat children and families.