What Is Bill C-92?

child-father-and-child-forest-173408-e1537984557654.jpg

An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families — commonly known as Bill C-92 — is federal legislation that recognizes the right of Indigenous communities to create and control their own child and family services laws.

For James Smith Cree Nation, this means we are taking steps to build a child welfare system that reflects who we are: our laws, our traditions, and our responsibility to protect our children.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bill C-92 actually do?

Bill C-92 gives First Nations the right to develop and enforce their own child and family services laws. This law respects our authority to make decisions about our children and families — not the provinces or federal government.
Why is JSCN working on this now?

James Smith Cree Nation began accessing capacity building funds for this work before the current leadership was elected. Because there are timelines attached to this funding, the Nation must continue moving forward. This is a vital opportunity to reclaim jurisdiction over child and family services and to build a system that keeps our children connected to their families, culture, and community - one grounded in JSCN values, kinship, and traditional ways of caring for one another.
Does this mean we’re making our own child welfare law?

Yes. The C-92 Logistics Committee, together with the proposed Working Group, is in the early stages of developing a James Smith Cree Nation Child and Family Law. This law will be written by and for our Nation, with guidance from community members, youth, legal experts and most importantly, through engagement with Elders whose knowledge and teachings are at the heart of this work.
Is this work just about “child protection”?

No. This is about building a complete, culturally safe system that supports children and families. That includes prevention, kinship care, wraparound supports, and a focus on keeping children connected to community and culture.
How is this different from what’s in place now?

Right now, outside agencies often make decisions about JSCN children using provincial laws. Under C-92, we can reclaim decision-making power and keep our children close to home, in a system we design ourselves.
Will this change how children are taken into care?

Yes — the goal is to keep children out of care wherever possible by strengthening families, using traditional supports, and putting the child’s cultural identity at the center of all decisions.
Can JSCN make its own rules?

Yes, but these rules must follow the minimum standards in Bill C-92. For example, the best interests of the child, cultural continuity, and fairness must be respected — all things that already align with JSCN values.
Who will enforce our new law?

That will be decided as part of the process. Many Nations create their own agencies, work with trusted partners, or set up their own child and family services departments. This is part of what we’re exploring with the community.
Will our law override provincial law?

Yes — once JSCN passes its own law and notifies the federal and provincial governments, it will take legal priority in most cases. This is called having force of federal law.
How can I be involved?

There will be many ways to participate: Fill out the survey Join an engagement session Help shape the Working Group Talk to Prevention staff or Committee members