Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council President Deb Foxcroft arrived in Ahousaht Nov. 3 during the Ahousaht annual general meeting to take part in the signing of the Ahousaht and Usma child protection protocol agreement.
Usma Director Kyra Mason told the people that the protocol agreement is the result of about three years of work between Ahousaht members, a working group, Ahousaht elders and Usma.
Usma is the child protection service operated under the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council and which, by law, operates in accordance with the provincial Child, Family and Community Services Act.
The protocol agreement signed with Ahousaht formalizes roles and responsibilities of both Usma and the nation with regard to the protection and safety of Ahousaht children.
Foxcroft said the protocol agreement is a living document, which can be changed when necessary. The parties will revisit the agreement yearly and make amendments where necessary.
Mason vowed to do her part in supporting Ahousaht in the care of their children.
There will be a meeting with Ahousaht in the future to do more work helping children in permanent care to improve their connection with their community, their people and their culture.
Ahousaht Councillor Cliff Atleo supported the signing, but said he thinks it is appropriate for the people to work toward a time when Usma staff work themselves out of a job. “That is when we, the people, take full responsibility for the safety and care of our children,” he said.
Tyee Ha’wilth Maquinna Lewis George sent a message to the people on the occasion of the signing of the Ahousaht Protocol Agreement. His speaker, Hudson Webster, told the people that Maquinna is a strong believer in what is in the protocol agreement and sends his blessings. “He sees it as a way to prevent conflict between Usma and the Ha’wiih; now we will have a say in how we work together in the care of our children,” said Webster, speaking on behalf of Maquinna.
