The Innu community of Pessamit, located on Quebec's North Shore, has signed a landmark agreement with the federal and provincial governments to take back control of child welfare services. The deal, announced on July 11, 2026, marks a significant step toward Indigenous self-determination in child protection, a long-standing demand from First Nations leaders across Canada.
Historic agreement for Indigenous child welfare
Under the agreement, the Pessamit Innu Council will assume full authority over child and family services within its territory, replacing the provincial system that has been criticized for disproportionately removing Indigenous children from their communities. The transfer is expected to be implemented over the next 18 months, with funding from both levels of government to support the transition.
Chief René Simon of the Pessamit Innu Council called the deal "a historic day for our community." He added, "For too long, our children have been taken from their families and culture. This agreement allows us to protect our children in a way that respects our traditions and values."
Addressing the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in care
According to the Canadian government, Indigenous children represent over 50% of children in foster care nationwide, despite making up only about 7% of the child population. The situation is particularly acute in Quebec, where Indigenous children are nearly 10 times more likely to be placed in out-of-home care than non-Indigenous children.
The Pessamit agreement is part of a broader push by the federal government to implement the 2019 Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, which affirms Indigenous peoples' jurisdiction over child welfare. Quebec had initially opposed the federal legislation but has since negotiated co-management agreements with several communities.
Details of the transfer of jurisdiction
The deal includes a commitment from Ottawa and Quebec City to provide $120 million over five years to fund the new Innu child welfare system. The community will develop its own laws and standards, rooted in Innu culture and practices, to guide child protection decisions. A joint oversight committee, comprising representatives from the community and both governments, will monitor the transition.
Federal Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu praised the agreement, stating, "This is about recognizing the inherent right of Indigenous peoples to care for their own children. The Pessamit Innu are leading the way in ensuring that their children grow up strong in their identity and community."
Quebec's Minister of Health and Social Services, Lionel Carmant, also expressed support, noting that the province is committed to working with Indigenous communities to improve child welfare outcomes.
Broader implications for Indigenous self-governance
The Pessamit agreement is expected to serve as a model for other First Nations in Quebec and across Canada. Several other communities, including the Atikamekw and the Mohawks of Kahnawà:ke, have expressed interest in similar arrangements. The deal also aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which Canada has committed to implementing.
However, some Indigenous advocates caution that the success of such agreements depends on adequate funding and genuine collaboration. "It's a positive step, but we need to ensure that communities have the resources to actually deliver services," said Cindy Blackstock, executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society. "Without proper support, these agreements risk becoming empty promises."
Community response and next steps
Members of the Pessamit community have welcomed the announcement, though many are aware of the challenges ahead. The community has already begun training social workers and developing culturally appropriate programs. Elders will play a key role in advising on traditional child-rearing practices.
"This is about healing," said Elder Marie-Noëlle Ottawa. "Our children need to know their language, their land, and their people. This agreement gives us the chance to provide that."
The transfer of jurisdiction is expected to be fully operational by early 2028, with the community assuming responsibility for all child protection cases currently handled by Quebec's Director of Youth Protection.
