AMC Responds to the Update on the Approved Revised Final Settlement Agreement (FSA) on Compensation for First Nations Children and Families
December 8, 2023
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) welcomes the initiation of the Revised Final Settlement Agreement (FSA) rollout, addressing the discriminatory underfunding of the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program and Jordan’s Principle.
“While this is a historic opportunity for First Nations children and families across Manitoba, we recognize that it’s not just about compensation; it’s about correcting the harm caused to countless First Nations children, youth, and families,” said Grand Chief Cathy Merrick. “Distribution of this compensation will change the lives of so many of our citizens, and it will require the insights and knowledge possessed by First Nations Leadership in Manitoba to ensure its success.”
The AMC acknowledges Chief Derek Nepinak, appointed to the Settlement Implementation Committee, playing an essential role in overseeing compensation implementation. Chief Nepinak, former Grand Chief of AMC, played a pivotal role in establishing the First Nations Family Advocate Office (FNFAO) in 2015. The FNFAO provides trauma-informed and culturally safe support to families involved with the Child and Family Services (CFS) system.
“In the oversight and implementation process, we are fortunate to have strong voices advocating for the best outcomes for First Nations children and families,” said Kayla Frank, Director of Children and Families at the AMC. “I am pleased that in the process of oversight and implementation, we do not have to look far to ensure competent technicians and service coordinators are available to support the surge of families applying for compensation. In Manitoba, the FNFAO is situated to support First Nations families and youth as they navigate the application process to access the compensation when it becomes available in 2024.”
First Nations Leadership in Manitoba continue to foster collaboration and look for opportunities to ensure that navigation is rolled out quickly and efficiently, building upon the pre-existing relationships and structures that advance the self-determination and wellness of First Nations families.
The AMC calls upon Canada to provide resources for the effective implementation and distribution of this historic settlement, uplifting and empowering the capacity of the Manitoba region.
For more information, visit www.fnchildcompensation.ca.
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 62 of the 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 151,000 First Nation citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 per cent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Nehetho / Ininew (Cree), Anishininew (Ojibwe-Cree), Denesuline (Dene) and Dakota Oyate (Dakota) people.