NAN Flag (File Photo)
The Chiefs of Ontario, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and the federal government are working towards a final agreement to support the reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services program.
In July, the federal government announced it was willing to commit $47.8 billion over 10 years to help with the reform.
The organizations believe that the agreement represents historic and transformative change and that it would empower First Nations to determine how to best provide these services.
“Our leaders have given us a strong mandate to reject the status quo and assert their authority to control the care and well-being of their children,” said Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief, Alvin Fiddler. “It is unfortunate that we were unable to come together on a National Agreement, but we firmly believe that this new path forward is the best way to bring meaningful change to the delivery of child welfare services in our Nations in Ontario. We are committed to continuing this work through a collaborative process to ensure that our families can access the supports they need, and that our children remain in their communities”.
Canada announced its willingness to commit funds, but they have yet to finalize a deal.
In October, the Special Chiefs Assembly rejected the deal, aiming to take a different approach to negotiating a final agreement.
If they approved the deal it would have legally bound Canada to provide the funds for a fully reformed program.
It is unclear when the parties will come to a finalized agreement, or how far they are from doing so.
