Indigenous Family Advocate Support Line (IFASL)
Started in 2023, the Indigenous Family Advocate Support Line (IFASL) provides free specialized family law and child protection legal advice, training, and knowledge sharing spaces to band representatives, wellness workers and frontline advocates supporting Indigenous families and communities across BC.
We hope to increase access to justice through:
a designated legal support line,
monthly training sessions and workshops (see information below), and
a weekly virtual knowledge sharing space for frontline workers (see information below).
This program is funded by the Department of Justice.
Our intention
IFASL seeks to contribute to the greater involvement of Indigenous peoples and communities in all decision-making processes that impact them as we decolonize the family law system and move toward affirming the inherent jurisdiction of the nations over child and family services. Our work is guided by the remedial mandate in Bill C-92 – An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families(“Federal Act”), United Nations Declaration Regarding Indigenous Peoples, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls: Calls for Justice.
We believe that Indigenous voices need to be heard in our family law system
We want to help ensure that Indigenous children are fully supported in developing a strong cultural identity
We recognize that First Nations and Indigenous communities have a critical role to play in countering the overrepresentation crisis of Indigenous children in foster care, often far removed from their ancestral, cultural and territorial roots
We need to work purposively to keep Indigenous families together and to prevent the loss of connections to family, community(ies) and culture
We know that reconciliation is only possible if we work together with cultural humility, guided by Indigenous Peoples toward meaningful change
How IFASL can support you?
Legal information/advice (including resources and planning) to band representatives or frontline workers by telephone, Zoom/MS Teams and email
Information about the court process, notice, service and participating in and outside of court
Help with cultural plans, out-of-care proposals, reunification plans, and prioritizing family, community, and cultural connections
Legal support with court documents & correspondence to parties, nations and social workers
To learn more about IFASL
Contact the IFASL lawyer, Frances Rosner, Red River Valley Metis at ifasl@womenslegalcentre.ca
Join our mailing list for information, training and engagement opportunities
For any additional information, please contact Maayaa at mqadade@womenslegalcentre.ca
Indigenous Family Advocate Circle (Circles)
Circles are for advocates across BC working with Indigenous families and urban/remote communities including: First Nations band representatives/designates, community wellness workers, counsellors, family support workers, and frontline workers.
Circle discussions share knowledge and best practices and provide a sense of community for band representatives and frontline workers supporting Indigenous families and communities.
Circles are weekly 90 minutes drop-ins; feel free to drop-in for all or part of the circle discussion.
Each Circle will have a micro-training on child protection and family law topics, 15-30 minutes.
Facilitated by an Indigenous family lawyer who specializes in child protection and prioritizes Indigenous family, community and cultural connection in all areas of practice of the discussion.
Upcoming circles:
May 8, 2024, 11:30 am-1:00 pm (PDT): How to be Recognized as an Indigenous Governing Body/Indigenous Governing Authority through a Band Council Resolution (BCR) for the Purpose of Receiving NOTICE of Proceedings under the Federal Act and CFCSA even if your Community is not Ready for Self-Government
May 16, 2024, 12:30 pm-2:00 pm (PDT): Indigenizing the Process: Using Indigenous-Based Dispute Resolution to Resolve Issues with the MCFD outside of Court
May 22, 2024, 11:30 am-1:00 pm (PDT): How Indigenous and First Nations Communities can Prepare for Court Appearances When You Don't Agree with the Plan of Care for the Child
May 29, 2024, 12:30 pm-2:00 pm (PDT): How Jordan's Principle Can Help Indigenous Families Involved in the Child Welfare System
Monthly Training
Upcoming webinar
3-Part Webinar Series: Making a Difference in the Life of a Child by Creating Cultural Plans for Indigenous Children - Skills-Based Workshop.
Register here in advance.
Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm: Part 1: The Importance of Cultural Plans for Indigenous Children and how Indigenous Communities, Nations and Frontline Workers can get involved in Crafting Strong Cultural Plans. Strategies for How to Create a Distinct Child-Specific Plan
Thursday, May 23, 2024, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm: Part 2: Guided Drafting Exercise on Cultural Plans in Small Groups
Wednesday, June 5, 2025, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm: Part 3: Sharing Best Practices for Cultural Planning and Debrief on the Cultural Plan Drafting Exercise.
Having issues registering for the webinar?
Email Maayaa at mqadade@womenslegalcentre.ca
Guides and reports
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