A new approach to protecting First Nation children's cultural connections
June 29, 2026 (Treaty No. 8 Territory|Fort McMurray, Alberta) – Chipewyan Prairie First Nation (CPFN) and Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) have successfully advanced a legal process designed to help ensure First Nation children remain connected to their Nation, family, culture and community.
As part of a recent court proceeding, CPFN and ATC's Child and Family Services developed a court-enforceable Cultural Plan that was incorporated into a private guardianship order. The Cultural Plan sets out how the child will remain connected to their family, community, language, culture and Nation throughout their life.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that our children know their family, hear their language, spend time on the land, and grow up knowing they are a Chipewyan Prairie First Nation community member. That's what this work is about," said Chief Vern Janvier of CPFN.
“ATC is honoured to support member Nations in advancing solutions that reflect their priorities and their laws," Chief Allan Adam, President of Athabasca Tribal Council and Chief of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. "This work shows how to navigate Alberta's existing legal system to protect the cultural identity of our First Nation children, while Nations continue advancing their own child and family laws.”
“With private guardianship, historically guardians had no legal requirement to maintain connections with our children’s First Nation community or culture,” shared ATC CEO Karla Buffalo. “It has been left to the goodwill of the guardian to maintain this connection. This court order, now legally enforceable, requires guardians to maintain this connection, nurturing our children’s pride and identity in their home First Nation community and culture. By incorporating a legally enforceable Cultural Plan into the guardianship order, CPFN and ATC have demonstrated one way to help ensure those connections remain an important part of a child's life.”
Athabasca Tribal Council will continue working alongside other member Nations to develop Nation-led Child and Family Laws grounded in Cree and Dene legal traditions, values, and cultures. Guided by the principle that Every Child Matters, this work helps ensure future generations remain connected to their identity, family, language, culture, Nation, and the places where they belong.
Media Contact:
Brian Golightly
pipikwan pêhtâkwan
About Athabasca Tribal Council:
Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) is an organization that provides essential services to 5 First Nations within Treaty 8 and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Learn more at atcfn.ca
