In a move to protect the rights, culture, and future of its children, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation has enacted key provisions of its own child and family services law to formally assert jurisdiction over provincial child protection court proceedings involving its members off-reserve.
Effective May 8, 2025, all such court proceedings—including guardianship matters—are now deemed stayed unless expressly authorized by the Nation’s Chief and Council or their designate.
This action empowers the Nation to take an active role in determining the path forward for its children, particularly in cases where cultural continuity is at stake.
Chief Sheldon Sunshine emphasized, “We are standing up for our children in the strongest possible terms. For too long, decisions have been made in courtrooms without our voice, without our values, and without our consent. That ends now.”
Keith Hopper, Trending 55
