Who is SIIA
The South Island Indigenous Authority (SIIA) is a Planning Organization
Supporting the Nations of Southern Vancouver Island as they
Reclaim Jurisdiction over Child and Family Services.
We are an Indigenous Governing Body mandated to act on behalf of six South Island Nations as we work Nation-to-Nation with the federal and provincial governments to resume full jurisdiction over Child and Family Services—and to bring our own Child and Family Law to life.
At SIIA, our mission is clear: to develop Child and Family Law that is deeply rooted in the teachings, cultures, and traditions of our Member Nations.
Although SIIA was formally established in 2019, our work builds on decades of advocacy, planning, and visioning by our communities and leaders. (You can learn more about that journey in our History section).
Our work is supported by An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families — often referred to as the Federal Act. This legislation has created a clearer path for communities like ours to reclaim jurisdiction over child and family services. But it’s important to be clear: the Federal Act didn’t give us this right—it simply recognized what has always been true. Our inherent jurisdiction long predates this legislation.
We are proud to represent the following Nations:
The urban Indigenous guests on the territory.
In line with our teachings—especially around the host-guest relationship—our Leadership has also made it clear: we have a responsibility to care for Indigenous guests living on our territories. This approach sets SIIA apart and reflects our shared values as South Island Nations.
