Utoo Radio - April 26, 2024 - A First Nations government backbencher, Amanda Lathlin, expressed concerns about the handling of child welfare authority by First Nations communities. She cited nepotism and band politics as reasons for her concerns.

Federal Bill C-92 recognizes the right of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to develop their own Child and Family Services legislation and assume control over child welfare, which would cut out the provincial government and watchdogs such as Manitoba's advocate for children and youth. Lathlin is concerned about unqualified workers and the lack of accountability for children in care.

Sherry Gott, Manitoba's children's advocate, also expressed concern about the transition to a federal advocate for children in First Nations. He recommended that the Manitoba advocate's office be allowed to enter into agreements with Indigenous governing bodies as they assume control over child welfare. Gott has reached out to First Nations leadership about continuing to advocate for children once they assume control of child welfare, but no agreements have been signed.

Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine supports Bill C-92 and the decolonization of the child welfare system, stating that once First Nations establish their own child welfare laws, they are paramount. Progressive Conservative families critic Lauren Stone questioned the province's lack of oversight for the welfare of children in care, questioning whether the province is simply washing its hands.

Fontaine's government is committed to helping kids in care and working with Indigenous nations and all levels of government to improve child welfare in Manitoba. The committee will meet on May 3 and hear from 19 presenters.