OFFICE OF THE GRAND CHIEF

DEHCHO FIRST NATIONS
Box 89, Fort Simpson, N.W.T. XOE 0N0
TEL: (867) 695-2610 FAX: (867) 695-2038
Toll Free: 1-866-995-3748
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Robert McLeod, Premier

Government of the Northwest Territories
PO. Box 1320,

Yellowknife, NT

219

November 8, 2018
Dear Premier McLeod,

Re: Report of the Auditor General of Canada Child and Family Services-
Department of Health and Social Services

I?m writing to express my disappointment and deep concern regarding the Report of the Auditor
General of Canada tabled in the Northwest Territories Legislature, October 23, 2018. I understand,
there exist serious deficiencies in the Department of Health and Social Services? delivery of child
and family services in the Territories, some deficiencies worse today, than a review conducted four
(4) years ago. I understand a thousand children per year, the majority of whom are indigenous, are
at risk because of these deficiencies. This deplorable situation needs to be immediately rectified.

This report indicates to me that, adherence to accountability measures, standards and procedures
as well as strategic leadership and oversight are lacking in this department. Although the
department should be focusing on the people it serves, instead seems to be concerned with
organizational changes such as creating large Health and Social Services Authorities. What is the
use of having the Boards and Wellness Committees if there is no connection to the people they
work for or serve? The current organizational structure looks to be very top heavy, a system like
this means less resources and supports to the front line. Accountability in a system like this
becomes diminished throughout the organization with less services and supports to clients, this is
captured in the Auditor General?s report.

Over the years, the composition of the Department of Health and Social Services has changed.
What percentage of staff are northerners? As educational quali?cations are raised to the master?s
level, more staff seem to be recruited from the south and less of our people are staying with the
department. We need a Social Work Program that is made in the north for the north, producing
graduates that are knowledgeable about indigenous world view, values and beliefs.

Dehcho First Nations would like to be involved in some capacity to rebuild a responsive,
supportive family pro gram that includes indigenous values and beliefs and one that is focused on
prevention not intervention. Our First Nations? history highlights disenfranchisernent and
disempowerinent. Therefore, we would like to see a First Nation led dialogue to support: Visioning,
needs assessment and planning, an integrated holistic policy authority and funding for innovative
service delivery and ideas.

We trust the GNWT is open to partnerships and input from the very people it serves. I look forward
to your response

Sincerely,



Grand Chief Gladys Norwegian
Cc: Denendeh Chiefs

Glen Abernethy, Minister, GNWT
Health Social Services