Canada cannot determine what is best for First Nation children, but does have an important role in undoing injustices and supporting First Nation families. Today, the Chiefs of Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Canada are pleased to announce that they will continue to work as partners for transformative change on the long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program.
The Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation supported and ratified the reforms set out in the Final Agreement on the Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program, reached in July 2024.
Along with Canada, the Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation maintain their belief that the Final Agreement represents historic and transformative change in the approach to its child and family services program and would empower First Nations to themselves determine how to best provide such services. For this reason, they will continue to work with Canada to reach an agreement within the existing provisions of the Final Agreement including funding that was specific to Ontario First Nations in the agreement.
These negotiations will ensure the long-term sustainability of key investments already being made to prevent children from being taken into care, support First Nations to have flexibility in using their resources to support their children who are currently in care to stay connected to family and community, and to help young adults transition to independence.
