CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICE AGREEMENT SIGNED WITH BEARDY'S-OKEMASIS BAND

Released on September 15, 1995

Social Services Minister Bob Pringle and Chief Edgar Thomas of the
Beardy's-Okemasis First Nation have signed an agreement which enables
the two parties to begin discussions on the development of a First
Nations Child and Family Services agency run by the band.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will allow the band and the
Department of Social Services to discuss issues related to the delivery
of child and family services for band members, before establishing a
band-run agency.

"I am very pleased at the partnerships which have been made between
First Nations people and the province enabling operational
responsibility for child and family services on First Nations' land to
be transferred to bands and Tribal Councils," Pringle said. "These are
very important steps for First Nations people, for the department and
for the people of this province."

"On behalf of Beardy's-Okemasis First Nation, we are pleased to enter
into a partnership which will assist our youth and families. To us the
First Nations Child and Family Services agency is a big step in self
reliance and beginning a process of holistic healing for our people.
The children are our strength and our future. With this, the band will
ensure its children receive the best possible service which addresses
issues from a First Nations' point of view," Chief Thomas said.

This is the third MOU to be signed. Two others have been signed with
the Yorkton Tribal Council and the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation.

Eight agreements have already been signed enabling First Nations to
take operational responsibility for the delivery of child and family
services on First Nations' land. These agreements have been signed
with the Touchwood Agency, the Battlefords Tribal Council, the Meadow
Lake Tribal Council, the Lac La Ronge Band, the Qu'Appelle Agency, the
Kanaweyimik Agency and the Onion Lake Band transferring responsibility
for service delivery to the bands.

"The government firmly believes that children and youth are the future
of this province. The Beardy's-Okemasis band's commitment to children
and families is oblivious, and its efforts will continue to make that
future a promising one." Pringle said.

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For further information, contact:

Virginia Wilkinson
Social Services
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-0916