It is hoped a new communications protocol agreement will help avoid tragedies similar to the ones where two Sturgeon Lake children died while in provincial custody in 2009.
The communications protocol, which was signed by the Sturgeon Lake First Nation and the ministry of social services on Wednesday, makes it mandatory for the government to contact the First Nation any time a band member child is taken into custody off-reserve.
As part of the new protocol, the province must also alert and seek input from Sturgeon Lake on any proposed government changes that could affect First Nations children.
Sturgeon Lake Chief Craig Bighead says in a release, “Communication is critically important. We have to work with the ministry and ensure the proper people are contacted when critical incidents occur…”
The agreement was signed by Chief Bighead and Minister of Social Services June Draude.
The signing took place at the provincial legislature in Regina.