Overview

The Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation, in partnership with the Government of Canada, are actively pursuing an Ontario-specific agreement as part of the ongoing Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program. This approach emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize the welfare of First Nations children while empowering First Nations in Ontario to determine how best to provide culturally appropriate child and family services.

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.

Background

The path to the Ontario-specific agreement began with the resolution passed at the Chiefs of Ontario Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) on October 10, 2024, where the Chiefs in Assembly supported and ratified the Provisional Final Agreement (FA) on the long-term reform of the FNCFS Program, a deal worth $47.8 billion. This agreement was between COO, NAN, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), and Canada. It aimed to address the systemic issues in child and family services for First Nations across Canada.

However, during the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly in October 2024, the national agreement was rejected by First Nations in Assembly. This prompted the Chiefs of Ontario, and Nishnawbe Aski Nation, to pursue a regional agreement which protects the gains in the national agreement for Ontario First Nations.

During the Chiefs of Ontario's Fall Special Chiefs Assembly held from November 19-21, 2024, the Chiefs-in-Assembly passed a resolution mandating the Chiefs of Ontario to explore and pursue a regional agreement with Canada. The Ontario-specific deal advocates for Ontario's portion of what was included in the proposed and rejected Final Agreement.

The Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation are hosting a series of information sessions on the Final Agreement on Long-Term Reform of the FNCFS Program in Ontario.

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The Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation are hosting Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program – Final Agreement Update meetings for Chiefs in Ontario. These sessions provide confidential and settlement-privileged updates on the Final Agreement for elected Chiefs in Ontario.

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The Chiefs of Ontario will host a Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) on February 26, 2025 in a hybrid format to discuss the Ontario Final Agreement.
February 26, 2025

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Statement from Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation regarding Caring Society Motion at the CHRT.
January 16, 2025

PRESS RELEASE - VIEW

Chiefs of Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and Canada to negotiate a Final Agreement putting children and families first.
January 7, 2025

PRESS RELEASE - VIEW

Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin: Advocating for Our Children's Future.
February 13, 2025

Deputy Grand Chief Bobby Narcisse on Addressing Service Costs in Remote Communities.
February 12, 2025

Regional Chief Benedict on First Nations Child Welfare Reform in Ontario.
February 11, 2025

Grand Chief Fiddler on FNCFS Reform and Funding for Remote First Nations.
February 11, 2025

GC Joel Abram on Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program.
September 24, 2024

Ashley Bach - NAN SCA - Long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services.
October 16, 2024