The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is launching a national dialogue with chiefs regarding the Draft Agreement on Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program.
The Draft Agreement, totalling $48.7 billion in a funding commitment from the federal government, will empower First Nations sovereign rights-holders to administer or direct child welfare programming, as they determine for themselves.
The AFN is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
Mandated by Resolutions 40/2022 and 86/2023 To Ensure Quality of Life to the First Nations Child and Family Services Program and Jordan’s Principle, the AFN was directed to negotiate this draft agreement, conduct regional engagements, and seek approval from First Nations-in-Assembly.
“This First Nations-led agreement will ensure the rights of First Nation children and families are respected,” said 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.”
Nepinak began a national dialogue in August with visits to several First Nations in Ontario and other First Nations across the country. The AFN initiated bi-weekly virtual information sessions open to chiefs, technicians and interested observers, which will continue until September 5. Each session is designed to explore a specific topic related to the reform. Dates for in-person sessions will be announced as they are confirmed with each region. Additionally, the draft agreement and other relevant information are being mailed to each chief this week.
An email address (social.development@afn.ca) has also been set up to field inquiries from Chiefs.
“With the unity of First Nations, we have reached another historic turning point. 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,” said Napinak.
