Press Releases

Real Reform Means First Nations in Lead, AMC says as Canada Outlines FNCFS Path Forward

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB (December 22, 2025) – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) acknowledges Canada’s announcement of a proposed path forward on long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program, which the federal government intends to submit to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT). While Canada has outlined significant financial commitments and a proposed engagement process, AMC stresses that funding announcements alone will not end the systemic discrimination that First Nations children, families, and Nations have endured for generations.

Grand Chief Kyra Wilson stated, “We acknowledge Canada’s announcement and the resources being proposed. However, meaningful reform cannot be achieved through funding alone. True transformation must be First Nations-led, grounded in our inherent jurisdiction, compliant with binding CHRT orders, and supported by sustainable, predictable funding that reflects the real needs of our children and families.”

Grand Chief Wilson reiterates that long-term reform must permanently end systemic discrimination against First Nations children, fully uphold Jordan’s Principle, and respect First Nations’ inherent right to govern child and family services. Any national or regional approach must ensure substantive equality, cultural safety, and accountability to First Nations, not to federal timelines or fragmented agreements.

This position is guided by clear direction from its Executive Council of Chiefs and Chiefs-in-Assembly, which have mandated a dual political and legal strategy: to advance meaningful, First Nations-led reform while holding Canada accountable for ongoing non-compliance with CHRT rulings.

AMC recognizes and acknowledges the work undertaken to date through the joint efforts of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, the National Children’s Chiefs Commission (NCCC), and the Assembly of First Nations. It affirms minimum national standards to protect First Nations children, while supporting First Nations–led regional approaches that reflect local realities, rather than models imposed by Canada.

Chief David Monias of Pimicikamak Cree Nation and Manitoba Commissioner with the NCCC, stated, “Canada has known for decades what is required to end discrimination in First Nations child and family services. The Loving Justice National Plan sets out enforceable, evidence-based solutions grounded in First Nations jurisdiction and the rights of our children. Regional approaches must be led by First Nations, must respect strong national standards, and must never delay justice. Our children cannot afford another generation of half-measures.”

While Canada has indicated it will begin engagement toward regional agreements in 2026, with implementation projected for 2027, AMC expresses serious concern that approaches which fragment First Nations voices or weaken national standards risk undermining substantive equality and delaying justice for children who need action now. 

“For the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, this is about more than policy reform,” Grand Chief Wilson added. “This is about justice, accountability, and the well-being of our children for generations to come. Any path forward must respect First Nations jurisdiction, reflect Manitoba-specific realities, and be guided by the leadership, knowledge, and lived experiences of our Nations.”

Leadership will continue working with Manitoba First Nations, the National Children’s Chiefs Commission, and national partners to advance justice for First Nations children and families. AMC will not engage in negotiations until the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal determines whether Canada’s proposed approach meets its legal and human rights obligations under existing CHRT orders.

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 151,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 per cent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), Nehetho / Ininew (Cree), Anishininew (Ojibwe-Cree), Denesuline (Dene) and Dakota Oyate (Dakota) people.