AMC-FNFAO Welcomes Ontario Agreement; Calls for First Nations-Led Reform in Manitoba
March 31, 2026
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB (March 31, 2026) – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) First Nations Family Advocate Office (FNFAO) acknowledges the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal’s approval of the Ontario Final Agreement (OFA), an $8.5 billion settlement to reform the First Nations Child and Family Services Program in Ontario. This represents meaningful progress and the result of sustained leadership by First Nations in Ontario.
AMC-FNFAO emphasizes that reform in Manitoba must be guided by Manitoba First Nations, reflecting their distinct realities, rights, and jurisdiction. This means not only being consulted, but having decision-making authority over how services are designed, governed, and delivered. Reform processes must reflect the distinct realities of First Nations across Manitoba and be developed in full partnership with First Nations leadership.
“First Nations must be the decision-makers in the design and implementation of long-term reform,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “Our Nations in the Manitoba region hold the knowledge and authority to determine what is best for our children and families.”
This approach must extend to all aspects of the system. Service providers must be accountable to First Nations and operate within governance structures that reflect their leadership and oversight. Reform must also include all First Nations children—regardless of where they live—so that no child is excluded from the supports they are entitled to.
At the same time, AMC-FNFAO underscores that reform cannot succeed without adequate and equitable funding. Resources must meet the standard of substantive equality and address broader determinants of well-being, including housing, which remains a critical need for many First Nations families.
As implementation moves forward, AMC-FNFAO calls for meaningful representation of Manitoba First Nations in all decision-making bodies. This must be guided by the principle of free, prior, and informed consent and reflect the diversity of First Nations across the province.
AMC-FNFAO remains committed to ensuring that child and family services reform is led by First Nations, respects their jurisdiction, and delivers equitable outcomes for children and families.
For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com
About The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs:
The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of all 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe, Nehetho / Ininew, Anisininew, Denesuline, and Dakota Oyate peoples.