Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Indian Act
Know Your Rights
Criminal Law
Child Protection
Fair Decision Making
A Note
The material in this section deals with topics that may cause trauma. If you need help or support, please reach out:
The National Residential School Crisis Line 1.866.925.4419
Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program 1.866.250.1529
First Nations Child and Family Services, and Jordan's Principle Settlement Trauma-Informed Health and Cultural Support Services 1.866.250.1629
Indian Residential School Survivors Society irsss.ca
Métis Nation-Saskatchewan 24-hour crisis line 1.877.767.7572
Hope for Wellness Helpline 1.855.242.3310
Your First Nation, Tribal Council or Métis Nation-Saskatchewan may also have other supports available.
In this section of the website we explain the federal and provincial child protection laws and processes that apply in Saskatchewan. Currently, these laws apply to most Indigenous families in the province, whether living on reserve or not. If you are a citizen or member of Cowessess First Nation, the Cowessess First Nation Miyo Pimatisowin Act applies and governs child and family services provided to Cowessess First Nation citizens or those eligible to become citizens.
Each heading below answers common questions you may have. Click on a heading to get started.
NEW IN PRINT!
See our new print resources under "Legal Information for Indigenous Communities" at Order Resources.
Residential Schools and the Sixties Scoop
A brief overview of these destructive policies and systems.
Introduction
Does My Community Have Jurisdiction Over Child and Family Services?
We describe the law-making process under the FNIM Act and brifely discuss the Cowessess First Nation Miyo Pimatisowin Act and the Whitecap Dakota Nation Self-Government Treatment.
General
We give an overview of laws, jurisdiction and some common concepts in child protection law.
What Happens if a Case Worker Contacts Me About My Child?
An overview of the process from investigation to protection hearing.
Agreements
All about different types of agreements you may be asked to sign and what happens if you refuse to sign.
When Will My First Nation or Community Be Told About My Involvement With Child and Family Services?
We give some information on notice requirements and community involvement.
Can My Child Be Removed From My Care and My Home (Apprehension)?
We summarize when this might happen and what the law says.
Who Will My Child Live With if It's Not Me?
We describe the priorities that a decision-maker must consider in placing a child.
What if I Disagree About Decisions Being Made or Have Concerns?
Learn about appeals, the Advocate for Children and Youth and other ways of resolving concerns.
Going to Court
Learn all about court proceedings and what to expect if you have to go to court.
Parenting Orders Under the Children's Law Act
We describe how other family laws relate interact with child protection proceedings.
Jordan's Principle and the Funding of Child Welfare Services for Indigenous Children and Families
We review Jordan's Principle, including how to access funding and get help making a request.
