FAQs
SERVICES
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. While it is not always possible to appear in person in court, if the NLG Designated Representative receives notice of a proceeding involving a Nisg̱a’a child, a member of the Court Resources Team will contact social workers to ensure they take into account Nisg̱a’a family, culture and community when considering a plan of care for the child. We will also ask to participate by phone if we can’t appear in court in person.
No. The Director of Programs & Services, as the Designated Representative for NLG, and the Court Resources Team do not fill the role of social worker nor are they part of NCFS.
No. The Director of Programs & Services and the Court Resource Team do not act as advocates for parents or family. Our role in child protection proceedings is to ensure that Nisg̱a’a children retain their cultural identity and connection to family. Depending on the situation, the Court Resource Team may collaborate with social workers to encourage a Nisg̱a’a child’s attendance to cultural activities, including rites of passages, Hoobiiyee and seasonal harvesting.
The court resources team liaises with various agencies on cultural planning and provides cultural information packages. We encourage the involvement of Nisg̱a’a families and huwilp in family group conferences and other planning meetings, and often attend these meetings in a liaison role outside the Nass Valley.
The Office of the Designated Representative connects the family or social workers with the Nisg̱a’a Citizenship Registry Manager and can also provide citizenship application documents. Eligibility and Enrolment as a Nisg̱a’a citizen is a legislated process under the Nisg̱a’a Citizenship Act. The Office of the Designated Representative is not involved in reviewing or deciding citizenship applications.
Yes. Members of the Office of the Designated Representative often attend court in person or by telephone on behalf of the designated representative. When we attend court processes, our function is to draw the judge’s attention to the importance of ensuring a child’s Nisg̱a’a culture and family connections are retained and honoured.
While the Designated Representative receives notice of matters involving Nisg̱a’a children from NCFS, the Office of the Designated Representative does not attend these matters unless there are extenuating circumstances, because NCFS will ensure the connection to Nisg̱a’a culture is maintained.
