Family Jurisdiction

Yecwemintem re Kwséltkten-kt "Looking After Our Relations/ People"

Yecwemintem re Kwséltkten-kt Law

Simpcw First Nation has developed the Yecwemintem re Kwséltkten-kt (“Looking After Our Relations/People”) Law. This Law will bring decision-making authority for child and family services back to Simpcw, rather than leaving these responsibilities under British Columbia’s Child, Family and Community Service Act. It affirms Simpcw’s inherent right to care for Simpcw children and families, and it will be formally recognized by both Canada and British Columbia with the full force of federal law. 
Simpcw began the work to restore Jurisdiction in 2020. Chief and Council directed the Social Development Department to ensure that the process was led by Membership. Over the past five years, more than 65 Engagement Sessions have been held, providing members with the opportunity to share their ideas, knowledge, and priorities in shaping the Law.
In October 2025, Simpcw Members will vote in a Referendum on whether to enact the Yecwemintem re Kwséltkten-kt Law.
This Referendum represents a significant step in Simpcw’s journey of self-determination. The decision rests with the Membership as to whether Simpcw will govern child and family services under our own Law.
For more information on the Referendum, please CLICK HERE

Jurisdiction Milestones

Finalization of the Yecwemintem re Kwséltkten-kt (“Looking After Our Relations/People”) Law: 

September 2025: Simpcw Council vote in favour of the Law in it’s final form to bring forward to Membership for Referendum. Key components within the Simpcw Referendum Code has been activated in anticipation of Referendum coming to Membership October 26, 2025. 

Commencement of Coordination Agreement Negotiations:

June 2024: Simpcw gives notice to the province of BC and Canada establishing a tripartite table to enter into Coordination Agreement Negotiations. These negotiations identify the responsibilities of each group to support Simpcw’s inherent right to Jurisdiction. 

Urban Prevention Services Agreement: 

March 2023: Simpcw and the BC MCFD enter into a two year agreement to expand prevention services to Simpcw members living Away From Home. Through two satellite office – one in the Lower Mainland and one in Prince George – services and support focus on keeping families together through connections to their culture, language, family, and traditional decision making. 
Click here for the video link. 
Click here for the news article.

Simpcw & Gitsegukla Declaration Signing Ceremony:

March 2023: Simpcw and Gitsegukla First Nations sign a historic Declaration to work together to develop an Inter-Nation Agreement that recognizes, respects, and upholds each Nations inherent Child and Family Services Jurisdiction. 
Click here for the video link. 

Tcwesétmentem Agreement: 

April 2022: Simpcw and MCFD sign the Tcwesétmentem – “Walking Together” – Agreement. Being the first of it’s kind in BC, it is a legally binding agreement on all social workers in the province of BC that operationally sets out roles, responsibilities, and funding between the two parties. This ensures Simpcw’s full participation and involvement in all planning, care, and decision making under BC’s Child, Family and Community Services Act (CFCSA). 
Training: Simpcw facilitates the training of social workers across the province on this agreement. If you would like to inquire about a training session, please contact megan.sim@simpcw.com
Agreement Sharing: Simpcw’s Chief and Council have made the decision to share the agreement by way of donation or trade with a Non-Disclosure caveat. To propose a donation or trade, please contact: Alison.GreenCouncil@simpcw.com
Click here for the video link.

Historic Ceremony For Simpcw and Binche Whut’en First Nations:

September 2024: Simpcw and Binche Whut’en First Nations sign a relationship protocol during ceremony to ensure both Nations work together to support children with roots in both communities within the child welfare system. 
Click here for the news link.

Indigenous Governing Body (IGB) Status:

June 2020: Simpcw is recognized by BC’s Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) as an Indigenous Governing Body for Simpcw families across the province. This means that before any social worker can make decisions regarding a Simpcw family, they have to involve Simpcw’s Community Designate in all decision making.

Contact

Have questions regarding Simpcw’s pathway to Jurisdiction or the Yecwemintem re Kwséltkten-kt Law?
Contact: Megan Sim | Yecwemintem Jurisdiction Coordinator 
Email: megan.sim@simpcw.com
Phone: 250.674.1446