January 12, 2016
Province Congratulates New CEO, Board as They Take Helm of Southern Authority
The Manitoba government is pleased to lift the order of administration on the Southern First Nations Network of Care (Southern Authority) and to recognize the new governing board of directors, Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross announced today.
“Many dedicated people came together to undertake the huge task of building a strong, sustainable, Indigenous-led governance structure for the Southern Authority. Their efforts will benefit many families and communities,” Minister Irvin-Ross said. “We are confident this new administration will carry on the important work of caring for children, supporting families to the highest standards and ushering in the next phase of devolution through customary care.”
“The Southern Chiefs Organization, the appointing body to the Southern Authority, is encouraged with having the administrative order lifted, giving us an opportunity to work together in helping to try and improve the lives of our children,” said Don Courchene, ex-officio and member of the board.
The new CEO of the Southern Authority is Tara Petti, who began her 15-year career in Manitoba Child and Family Services (CFS) as a front-line worker with Peguis CFS. Petti spent the last eight years working as a quality-assurance specialist before moving to management, and knows Southern Authority and its agencies well, the minister noted.
As a member of Peguis First Nation and mother of four, Petti said her philosophy is to bring forth and realize a brighter future for Indigenous children and families through Indigenous-led practices and change.
“We are turning the page on a difficult time for everyone at the Southern Authority. I am looking forward to working with this new board, the agencies and the First Nations of Southern Manitoba that we support,” said Petti.
The first meeting of the new board today will include ratifying bylaws and electing its executive and chairperson. The new members of the board are Allan Courchene, Dave Rundle, Steve Courchene, Glen Cochrane, Ruth Roulette, Clairissa Kelly and Don Courchene.
The Southern First Nations Network of Care oversees one of the largest child welfare systems in Manitoba. With 10 agencies, the Southern Authority supports 36 predominantly Ojibway and Dakota First Nations.
The province is also nearing agreements that will allow it to also lift the administration order on the Northern Authority, by working with the authority to implement changes that were recommended under a Section 4 review, Minister Irvin-Ross said.
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