The NWT’s Child and Family Services Act requires that applicable Aboriginal organizations are provided notice prior to certain court proceedings, such as an apprehension hearing, child protection hearing, or youth protection hearing.

A list of applicable Aboriginal organizations can be found here:

• Applicable Aboriginal Organizations

This list is currently based on provisions under the Child and Family Services Regulations.

It is worth noting that the new federal Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families requires the Director of Child and Family Services to also provide notice to the Indigenous governing body to which a child or youth belongs before taking a significant measure in relation to the child or youth. The Department of Health and Social Services interprets significant measures under the Federal Act as being broader than court proceedings, which is more extensive than the notices provided to applicable Aboriginal organizations under the NWT’s Child and Family Services Act. 

For more information on s.12 notice and Indigenous governing bodies, please see here:

• Indigenous Governing Bodies