AMC Welcomes the Announcement of the $47.8 Billion Dollar Commitment For Long-Term Reform of the First Nations CFS

July 11, 2024

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba

AMC Communications

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) releases the following statement in response to the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) announcement on the Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS). The AMC welcomes the commitment of $47.8 billion over ten years in the final settlement agreement, a decision above and beyond the original commitment of $19.8 billion.

This commitment is to improve support services for First Nations children and families involved in the child welfare system by reforming the First Nations Child and Family Services program. In addition, the $23 billion compensation approved last October in the final settlement agreement will be distributed to eligible claimants, including individuals, parents, and caregiver parents on-reserve who are affected by the discriminatory policies in the FNCFS program. National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak has also announced that a formal apology from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be forthcoming.

“It is critical that First Nations Leadership and experts review the draft settlement agreement to fully analyze its implication on how it will address the discriminatory provisions within the FNCFS program. It is also imperative that it supports First Nations’ jurisdiction and exerts our sovereign rights as First Nations. First Nations Leadership and citizens nationwide have ardently advocated for justice, showcasing the formidable strength and profound impact of our unity and collective voices. Our children are sacred. They are the most valuable resource in our Nations and the future of our Nations. We have a sacred duty to protect our children and families,” says Deputy Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy.

With this announcement, sustainable funding for prevention services, prioritizing post-majority supports, has been secured. These funds will also support housing to ensure families stay together and receive the necessary support.

“Every First Nation has faced the consequences of the discriminatory and racist practices of the child welfare system. A system made to sever the bond of children, families, and Nations, continuing the loss of First Nations culture, languages, and land,” says Deputy Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy.

“First Nations must take the lead in creating a new foundation to replace the child welfare system, one built on our diverse practices of caring for our children and families while promoting healing and prevention mechanisms.”

The AMC extends gratitude to the AFN, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, and the plaintiffs for their work advocating for this historical settlement.

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 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Nehetho / Ininew (Cree), Anisininew (Ojibwe-Cree), Denesuline (Dene) and Dakota Oyate (Dakota) peoples.