First Nations chiefs in Alberta are calling for more collaboration and consultation from Canada's federal government after a child welfare reform deal was rejected.
The $47.8 billion (AUD 51.5 billion) agreement was debated at the Assembly of First Nations in Calgary, but was voted down on 17 October.
First Nations chiefs and proxies have since voted on a new negotiation, involving a national Children's Chiefs Commission, as well as a new legal team.
Enoch Cree Nation chief and Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations grand chief Cody Thomas told the Canadian media there needed to be changes made to the proposal.
"I think with regards to the class action, there needs to be some amendments and there needs to be more dialogue with us as Indigenous peoples," he said during a news conference.
"It's about honouring the treaties, it's about doing what's right."
Chief Thomas urged more participation from Canada's federal government in general.
"I'd really like for you guys to actually have the prime minister come to our traditional territory, because we've requested that several times and we still haven't had that opportunity," he said, directing his comments at Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree who was present.
Mikisew Cree Nation chief Billy-Joe Tuccaro said in an interview with local media he believed the initial proposal would not benefit all Indigenous children across Canada, and noted that a housing crisis is inextricably linked with child welfare issues.
"I'm totally against that because in regards to this reform, they were allowing only Manitoba to be a part of this for their off-reserve members … which is totally bogus and outrageous that they would even put this on the table," he said.
Minister Anandasangaree told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation the Canadian government would be open to amending the deal.
"The $47.8 billion as a settlement that was reached in July, is an unprecedented amount in Canadian history and one that is very much important for the protection of children," he said.
"It is in the interest of Canada as well as all nations to be able to come to a full resolution on this, so we will have more to do, and we will continue to do that work."
Chief Tuccaro said he wants all Indigenous children in Canada to benefit from a new negotiation, not only those in his people's territory in northern Alberta.
"Our children are too important to us and they should be treated like every other nation's kids. Regardless what race they come from, we should have the same opportunities. Right now with this, it's grossly underfunded," he said.
