The Six Nations Child and Family Wellbeing Taskforce (CFWBTF) had its Terms of Reference approved by Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) during Monday's Political Liaison Meeting.

The taskforce, originally assembled in May 2020, was created to bring together key stakeholders across Six Nations to look at legislation and work in unity aiming towards healing and wellbeing for the community. The organization will be comprised of a core team and a larger representative group. The core group will involve Social Services, Child & Family Services, Housing Department, Justice Department and more. These groups will work together to provide services and support the wellbeing of children and families in the community.

Shelley Hachey, member of CFWBTF, spoke on the taskforce beginning operations saying that it's still in its infancy, as the group have been waiting for approval of the Terms of Reference. But she said that the group has been offering Six Nations' leadership and organizations opportunities to join the taskforce, including Ganohkwasra Family Assault Support Services and Ogwadeni:deo Child Welfare Agency. The taskforce will be reporting to SNEC and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council and providing updates to the community through the two agencies.

"The taskforce's goal is to develop Six Nations owns guidelines, standards and definitions using Six Nations specific principles and values to improve outcomes, continuity of care and service across the Six Nations community," Hachey said.

Chief Mark Hill acknowledged the need for the taskforce with the recent traumatic events that have occurred on Six Nations.

"There's been a lot of really traumatic events, a lot of really sad times, and I think that's something that as a community, we have to come together and figure out, what is that best way forward? In terms of our healing path and making sure we're accountable," he said.

SNEC approved the terms of reference for the CFWBTF on Jan. 23.

The group will be holding a youth conference March 17-19 at the Gathering Place by the Grand for Six Nations youth to attend.

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