We received notice from one Indigenous government approximately a year ago that they were interested in beginning negotiations. We received notice from a second Indigenous government about a month ago. Neither of these conversations have reached the stage that the Member is talking about here, where we are negotiating a tripartite agreement. What we have done proactively as a department is adopted two new practice standards based on the federal act so that all children and families in the NWT have the benefit of these provisions, even before these agreements are put into place.

The first new practice standard has to do with the requirement to provide notice before taking a significant measure in relation to an Indigenous child or youth, so that would be notice that goes to the Indigenous government about a member of theirs. The second is a commitment to Indigenous children, youth, and families, and that has to do with supporting them through the family reunification process. We are very willing, more than willing, to enter into these negotiations. Just to say again: they need to be initiated by the Indigenous governments. They are funded by the federal government, and we are ready to do our part.