b'CHILD WELFARE30th Anniversaryof the UN Conventionon the Rights of the ChildThe best interests of First Nations children T he United Nations Conventionthe child be used to improve outcomes forof the child, affirming that First Nations on the Rights of the ChildFirst Nations children. The Convention seesknow best how to provide care for their (Convention) articulates thethe best interests of children as listening tochildren. Jordans Principle, a child-first unique and specific rights forchildren, preventing violations of a childsprinciple, requires that First Nations all children. Adopted on November 20,rights and viewing children as capablechildren be provided with equitable 1989, the Convention is the most widelybeings.6 The AFN advocates that the bestprograms, services and supports as other adopted declaration on human rightsinterests of First Nations children must bechildren in Canada do, grounded in the in history. In the 30 years since theextended to include substantive equality,principle of substantive equality. Convention was adopted, children globallyFirst Nations determination, and culturally- First Nations determination is have seen positive shifts in outcomes:appropriate and specific services for Firstfoundational to ensuring the best interests child mortality and malnourishmentNations children. Without these, Firstof First Nations children are upheld. have decreased, and educational successNations children will be left behind in theRecognizing that First Nations know best and protection from armed conflicts haveprogress that other children in Canada enjoy. increased.1 However, Indigenous childrenhow to provide for their children is the have not benefitted equally from theseSubstantive equality forms the basis offirst step, and respecting the right of First gains: globally, Indigenous children haveadequately recognizing a First NationsNations, organizations or other delegated lower educational attainment, experiencechilds rights. By recognizing thatauthorities to do so is paramount. Bill more violence and experience deeperFirst Nations children have distinctC-92 is further based on this tenet, poverty than their non-Indigenous peers.2needs emerging from systemic andaffirming the jurisdiction of First Nations In Canada, First Nations children areintergenerational disadvantage andto determine how child and family services no exception: compared to their non- discrimination, including the Residentialshould be delivered to their communities. Indigenous counterparts, First NationsSchool System, Sixties Scoop and nowInvestments made in 2018 in First Nations households are more likely to experienceMillennium Scoop, substantive equalityEarly Learning and Child Care (ELCC) food insecurity, chronic illness and disease,demands equitable access and opportunityand the announcement of the national and Indigenous children are twice asfor First Nations children. Bill C-92, AnIndigenous ELCC Framework adhere to likely to be identified as developmentallyAct Respecting First Nations, Inuit andFirst Nations determination, creating vulnerable in early childhood.3, 4, 5 Mtis children, youth and families, whichspace for First Nations to determine how received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019,investments are made and how programs The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) hasis based on the principle of substantiveare delivered.long advocated that the best interests ofequality in the context of best interestsCulturally-appropriate and specific services are a final necessity for upholding the best interests of First Nations children. First Nations children have long been subjected to programs and services that do not reflect their cultural and linguistic distinctiveness. A shift toward supporting culturally-specific programs through the national Indigenous ELCC Framework means that First Nations children will have greater access to early childhood programs that better reflect who they are. In considering applications for support to Jordans Principle, culture and language are considered in the context of substantive equality, ensuring that children are receiving support or able to access programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate. 64 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2019'