Lhtako Dene Nation celebrates a historic milestone, as its community agreement with the Province’s Ministry of Children and Family Development takes effect today, Tuesday, January 6.
The agreement was officially signed on October 8, 2025, which helps the Lhtako Dene Nation’s children and youth stay connected with their families, culture, and community. The agreement also ensures that Lhtako will be involved in the decision-making and planning of child welfare decisions within its territory, with cooperation by the Province.
“This is great because, as many know, a lot of our people were sent to residential schools, some were apprehended during the Sixties Scoop, and many people spent their lives in care by the Ministry of Children and Family Development, now we’ll have a generation that won’t have to do that,” Terry Boucher, Lhtako Dene Elder and family support worker tells Vista Radio.
“We had our own laws, traditions and rights, so to take back what we had before, our laws before, is really important for us. It’s a step in not only healing ourselves, but for the whole community.”
The agreement is set to charter what the Province calls “a path toward jurisdiction” for Lhtako, with several objectives, including
- Establishing guiding principles rooted in the Nation’s cultural values.
- Embedding Lhtako Dene knowledge, traditions, and practices into child and family services.
- Promoting cultural continuity and meaningful Nation involvement in all aspects of service delivery.
“Today represents a pivotal moment for both the Lhtako Dene Nation and the Province,” said Jodie Wickens, Minister of Children and Family Development, in a statement.
“Centering child and family services in Lhtako Dene teachings, traditions, and values will help their children and youth grow up strong and supported in their communities. This agreement reflects the strength of our collaboration and marks a significant milestone on our shared journey toward reconciliation.”
Lhtako Dene Nation said in a statement that this is a step forward, towards having full jurisdiction over child and family services within its Nation.
Boucher says Lhtako Dene’s next steps, while continuing to work towards full jurisdiction, are the Nation’s child welfare service delivery and adding back in the Nation’s traditional laws. Lhtako Dene will also be extending their Family Centre building and hiring more staff upon completion.
Something going on in the Cariboo you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing cariboonews@vistaradio.ca.
