Social Development
The Federal government believes that First Nations people should benefit from non-federal social service programs, but because these are not always available to residents on reserve the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern development (DIAND) has implemented the Social Development Program (social assistance and social support services) designed to meet certain needs.
The Social Development Program is governed by various federal authorities. The principal’s authority for the provision of social development programs on-reserve permits DIAND to adopt provincial standard and procedures. Thus, the policies and procedures contained in on-reserve manuals reflect current British Columbia Provincial Government policies and procedures in the administration of the Social Development program. However, where possible and permissible, certain provisions exist to reflect the differing circumstances of person’s resident on Indian reserve land.
The resources to provide these services are secured each year through the Canadian parliament.
Although administrative responsibility for the Social Development Program may be transferred, DIAND remains accountable to the Government of Canada and to First Nations communities for ensuring that the social development procedures have been adhered to and that assistance, at authorized rates, is provided to those determined eligible under the Social Development Policy and Procedures Manual (click to view manual).
Program Objectives
The broad objectives of the Social Development Program are:
- To assist persons living on reserves in maintaining a basic standard of living.
- To prevent dependency by developing individual and family strengths
- To assist recipients to access services that will enhance their ability to assume primary responsibility for their own affairs.
Shuswap Indian Band Contact:
Clarissa Stevens
Band Social Development Worker
P.O. Box 790
Invermere, BC V0A 1K0
Tel: (250) 342-6361
Fax: (250) 342-2948