OTTAWA, ON – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has embarked on a significant national dialogue with First Nations Chiefs to discuss a groundbreaking agreement aimed at overhauling the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program. AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is leading the charge, marking a pivotal step towards meaningful change in how child welfare services are administered across First Nations communities.
The Draft Agreement, which includes a historic $48.7 billion funding commitment from the federal government, is designed to empower First Nations to take control of their child welfare programming. This initiative is a direct response to mandates from AFN Resolutions 40/2022 and 86/2023, which called for substantial reform to ensure the well-being of First Nations children and families under the FNCFS Program and Jordan’s Principle.
“This First Nations-led agreement will ensure the rights of First Nation children and families are respected,” stated AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “With this historic funding, we can get serious about replacing Canada’s broken system with a compassionate, families-first approach that promotes prevention before apprehension and empowers First Nation families to care for our own children.”
National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak’s efforts to gather input from Chiefs are set to include visits to several First Nations in Ontario and other regions across Canada. These visits are part of a broader effort to engage First Nations leadership and communities in discussions about the Draft Agreement. Additionally, the AFN has launched bi-weekly virtual information sessions, which began on July 25, 2024, and will continue until September 5, 2024. These sessions are open to Chiefs, technicians, and interested observers, providing a platform to explore various aspects of the proposed reforms. In-person sessions are also planned, with dates to be announced as they are confirmed with each region.
To ensure comprehensive communication, the AFN is mailing the Draft Agreement and related information to each Chief this week. An email address (social.development@afn.ca) has been established to address any inquiries.
“With the unity of First Nations, we have reached another historic turning point,” added National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “We lift up the Chiefs, Knowledge Keepers, representative plaintiffs, experts, and allies for leading us on this journey. You have been pillars of strength for the thousands of children and families who have experienced generations of discrimination.”
