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Indigenous Child Welfare Director

Last updated on May 2, 2024

In collaboration with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people, B.C. is introducing an Indigenous Child Welfare Director (ICWD) within the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). The ICWD is being introduced in response to calls from Indigenous Peoples and will: 

  • Provide practice oversight and support for services delivered under the Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA) to Indigenous children and youth, and 
  • Work to ensure provincial services operate seamlessly alongside Indigenous laws to uphold Indigenous jurisdiction.  

Job Posting is now Open for Applications 

MCFD is pleased to share that the job posting for the Indigenous Child Welfare Director is now open for applications.  

In recognition of the critical importance to this role of a lived understanding of Indigenous communities, history, values, legal orders, and cultural competencies, and in accordance with Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, only Indigenous individuals (First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit) with the required combination of education and experience will be considered for this opportunity. 

We encourage our partners to share this posting broadly within their networks.

Indigenous Child Welfare Development Process

Throughout spring and summer 2023, MCFD engaged with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people and organizations on their priorities for the ICWD. This feedback is outlined in the ICWD Engagement Summary 2023. (PDF, 309KB)

In early 2024, MCFD engaged with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people on a proposed approach and job profile for the ICWD. We are grateful to partners for sharing their time, energy, and feedback in shaping this new position. The ICWD Spring 2024 Engagement Summary (PDF, 237KB) contains an overview of the feedback gathered during these engagements. 

In March 2024, MCFD brought the ICWD into force in law, in anticipation of posting the ICWD position and beginning the hiring process in spring 2024. The ICWD role was introduced to the Child, Family and Community Services Act in November 2022 through Bill 38, the Indigenous Self-Government in Child and Family Service Amendment Act.