Complaints
SERVICES
Making a Complaint
Nisg̱a’a Child and Family Services (NCFS) provides services to Nisg̱a’a members residing within the Nass Valley, Terrace and Prince Rupert areas. NCFS is dedicated to providing quality services to Nisg̱a’a children (ages 0-19 years) and their families.
NCFS social workers are guided by the belief that everyone has the right to be treated fairly, and with dignity and respect. NCFS encourages clients to actively participate in the decisions affecting them. The rights of the child, what’s in their best interest and considering children’s views guides the complaint process. NCFS has committed to provide Nisg̱a’a members with a culturally appropriate service.
To share your concern about the quality of our service, contract Nisg̱a’a Child and Family Services Office at Toll Free: 1-888-633-2603.
Step 1: You are encouraged to address your concern or complaint with your NCFS worker. If there is no resolution between you and your worker, the next step is used.
Step 2: The issue is brought to the agency Supervisor who will attempt to resolve the issue by meeting with both you and your worker.
Step 3: If there is no resolution, the NCFS Program Director will participate in addressing the dispute.
Not all complaints are eligible for review. For example, matters that are currently before the court or issues with youth in custody. If your complaint is ineligible, a NCFS worker will refer you to another review process to resolve your concerns.
The NCFS Program Director will acknowledge receipt of your complaint. The director may wish to obtain further information from you and will obtain information from the agency staff to determine if attempts were made to resolve the complaint.
The rights to harvest fish do not alter federal and provincial laws about property in fish, which provide generally that no one owns fish until they are caught. Nisg̱a’a can also harvest fish outside the Treaty in accordance with federal and provincial laws that apply to everyone or, in some circumstances, in accordance with agreements with other First Nations.
Nisg̱a’a entitlements to fish are held by the Nisg̱a’a Nation and the right to fish may not be sold or transferred. However, the Nisg̱a’a Nation can authorize others to harvest some of the fish under Nisg̱a’a entitlement from time to time. Canada and British Columbia cannot require Nisg̱a’a to have federal and provincial licenses or to pay fees, charges, or royalties with respect to harvesting fish or aquatic plants for domestic purposes. When Nisg̱a’a sell fish harvested under the Treaty, they are subject to the same fees and charges that apply to commercial harvesters.
Confidentiality and privacy of clients is respected. Individuals have the right to involve an advocate, friend or relative in the process for support. Based on the nature of the complaint, all concerns are responded to within a reasonable time frame. NCFS will continue to work together with individuals to find a resolution to their complaint.
The rights to harvest fish do not alter federal and provincial laws about property in fish, which provide generally that no one owns fish until they are caught. Nisg̱a’a can also harvest fish outside the Treaty in accordance with federal and provincial laws that apply to everyone or, in some circumstances, in accordance with agreements with other First Nations.
Nisg̱a’a entitlements to fish are held by the Nisg̱a’a Nation and the right to fish may not be sold or transferred. However, the Nisg̱a’a Nation can authorize others to harvest some of the fish under Nisg̱a’a entitlement from time to time. Canada and British Columbia cannot require Nisg̱a’a to have federal and provincial licenses or to pay fees, charges, or royalties with respect to harvesting fish or aquatic plants for domestic purposes. When Nisg̱a’a sell fish harvested under the Treaty, they are subject to the same fees and charges that apply to commercial harvesters.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your complaint you may wish to contact the Office of the Ombudsperson. The Ombudsperson receives inquiries and complaints about practices and services provided by public agencies.
Tel: 1-800-567-3247
The Representative for Children and Youth supports individuals who need help with child welfare concerns.
Tel: 1-800-476-3933
Link to the BC Quality Assurance Branch:
