The court is hearing final arguments in Ottawa this week on the proposed settlement agreement that would be the biggest in Canadian history if it passes.
"The panel acknowledges the suffering of those First Nations children and families who are or have been denied an equitable opportunity to remain together or to be reunited in a timely manner," the 2016 ruling said. The Assembly of First Nations interim national chief, Joanna Bernard, said families have been waiting decades for this settlement.
"We need to make sure the government of Canada actually treats children fairly. Not only today, but the day after tomorrow, and the year after," said Blackstock. Jordan's Principle, which was passed in the House of Commons in December 2007, committed that First Nations children get the services they need when they need them, with payments to be worked out later.
Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu and Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree said in a statement Monday that situations like this shouldn't happen again, and they are working on reforming the First Nations Child and Family Services program."Their advocacy on the rights of Indigenous children and families is pushing Canada to do better and moves us forward on the path to reconciliation.