Reclaiming Our Future: A Historic Step for First Nations Children and Families
How First Nations Leadership Is Reshaping Child and Family Services Through Self-Determination and Unity
A Historic Step Forward for First Nations Children and Families
This past week, we achieved something monumental at the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly in Ottawa. After months of debate, consultation, and collaboration, the First Nations chiefs and leaders approved three critical documents to guide the long-term reform of First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) and Jordan’s Principle.
With 146 votes in favour, 74 opposed, and 10 abstaining, this 66% majority reflects the significant momentum behind our shared goal: to dismantle systemic discrimination and uphold the sacred rights of First Nations children, youth, and families. As someone who has been involved in this process over the past year, I am proud to share what this means for our communities and our children's future.
The National Children’s Chiefs Commission: A New Way Forward
Central to these reforms is the creation of the National Children’s Chiefs Commission (NCCC), a body mandated to oversee and provide strategic direction for negotiations and reforms concerning FNCFS and Jordan’s Principle. This commission, guided by First Nations Chiefs and informed by experts, elders, and youth, is a vital step toward reclaiming our inherent jurisdiction and ensuring transparency and accountability in delivering these critical services.
The NCCC will work tirelessly to eliminate the systemic inequities highlighted by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT), which has issued over two dozen orders addressing Canada’s discriminatory practices since 2016. This is not just about complying with CHRT rulings; it’s about centering the needs and rights of our children in everything we do.
Negotiation Team: Advocating for Our Priorities
Alongside the NCCC, a newly established Negotiation Team will be responsible for negotiating agreements that reflect our priorities as First Nations. This team will operate under the guidance of the NCCC and adhere to principles rooted in our self-determination, intergenerational equity, and cultural continuity.
One critical mandate for this team is to secure funding models that are needs-based—not population-based—and ensure resources are distributed equitably to address the real challenges our communities face. This is a direct response to the Assembly’s rejection of the 2021 Agreement-in-Principle (AIP), which failed to align with these priorities.
The Negotiation Team will also ensure that the CHRT retains oversight of any agreements reached, safeguarding accountability and preventing the recurrence of discriminatory practices.
Listening to Our Communities
One of the most inspiring aspects of these frameworks is their commitment to inclusion and representation. The NCCC and the Negotiation Team will actively seek input from across our Nations—youth, elders, service providers, and independent experts. Regional diversity is at the heart of this work, recognizing that each of our Nations has unique needs and solutions.
I’ve heard from many First Nations about the importance of this inclusion. We’ve been told that any reform must reflect the lived realities of our families, whether it’s the need for culturally relevant child welfare services, the urgency of preserving Indigenous languages, or the importance of addressing the structural drivers of disadvantage. These frameworks ensure diverse voices will shape the solutions.
A Process Rooted in Self-Determination
These reforms are about more than fixing broken systems—they’re about asserting our self-determination and reclaiming our jurisdiction over child and family services. First Nation leadership was clear: this process must not be Indian Act-centric. Instead, it must respect and affirm our governance systems, laws, and cultural practices.
The NCCC and the Negotiation Team will negotiate agreements that align with international standards, such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and uphold the principles of Jordan’s Principle. These agreements will prioritize the sacredness of our children and their right to grow up in environments that honour their identity, language, and culture.
The Road Ahead
The work doesn’t stop here. The NCCC and Negotiation Team have been tasked with implementing these frameworks immediately. Their first steps include developing agreements that reflect our priorities and ensure every First Nation has the resources and capacity to deliver the services our children deserve.
This process will take time, but it will be transparent and inclusive. The NCCC will report regularly to the First Nations-in-Assembly, ensuring accountability every step of the way. Regional engagements will provide opportunities for all Nations to contribute, and draft agreements will be reviewed thoroughly before making any decisions.
Next Steps: Turning Vision into Action
While this week’s approval is a monumental achievement, much work remains as we move from resolution to implementation. The next steps involve internal planning and preparation and significant engagement with the federal government to ensure they fulfill their obligations to First Nations children and families.
One immediate priority is for Canada to return to the negotiation table with a renewed commitment to improving the draft Final Settlement Agreement (FSA). The First Nations-in-Assembly were clear: the previously proposed agreement fell short of meeting our communities' needs and priorities. Its reliance on population-based funding formulas and attempts to sideline CHRT oversight was unacceptable. We are now calling on Canada to engage in good faith to align the agreement with our vision of needs-based funding, robust accountability, and respect for our inherent jurisdiction.
At the same time, securing funding to support these negotiations is critical. Canada must provide adequate resources for the National Children’s Chiefs Commission (NCCC) and Negotiation Team to fulfill their mandates. This includes covering the costs of technical expertise, legal counsel, and regional consultations to ensure that every First Nation can meaningfully participate in shaping the agreements.
If required, Canada could be faced with plaintiffs seeking a new order from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal to order Canada to come back to the negotiation table and fund the renewed negotiations as now defined by First Nations.
Additionally, the NCCC will begin its work immediately by convening its members and outlining its strategy for the months ahead. Their tasks include setting timelines, consulting with regional representatives, and coordinating with the Negotiation Team to prepare for the next round of discussions with Canada. Regular updates will be provided to the First Nations-in-Assembly to ensure transparency and accountability.
Finally, we will continue to engage with our communities. Regional consultations and technical discussions will ensure the voices of First Nations leaders, families, youth, and service providers are reflected in the negotiations. This inclusive process is vital to creating agreements that address the diverse needs of our Nations while maintaining unity in purpose.
While we wait for Canada to demonstrate its willingness to move forward, our resolve remains steadfast. This is not just about reaching an agreement but about ensuring lasting, transformative change for our children and families. The path ahead will not be without challenges, but we are ready to meet them with determination and the strength of our collective vision.
A Moment to Reflect and Celebrate
Reflecting on this week’s decision, I am filled with hope. For far too long, our children and families have borne the brunt of systemic discrimination. I said on the floor of the Assembly when I introduced Draft Resolution #44: the process has been flawed, and Canada has benefited. We are reclaiming and fixing the process. It’s as if our canoe was backwards, flipped upside down, and we’re trying to paddle forward. Now we’ve turned the canoe over, bailed out the water, and begun to turn it around so we can pull together in the right direction. This approval marks a turning point—a moment where we, as First Nations, reclaim our power to determine what is best for our children.
I am grateful for the wisdom and leadership of the Chiefs, proxies, and advisors who supported these resolutions, the elders and youth who guided this process, and the service providers and experts who brought their invaluable insights. Most importantly, I am grateful for the resilience of our children and families, whose voices and experiences have been at the heart of this work.
We still have much to do, but I believe in our collective strength and vision. Together, we are building a future where every First Nations child can thrive in dignity, safety, and love.
In solidarity,
Khelsilem
Council Chairperson, Squamish Nation
Want to learn more:
Assembly of First Nations takes Trudeau to task over racism, rights and reconciliation by CBC News
Assembly of First Nations votes for new negotiation process with Ottawa as Trudeau vows change by Globe& Mail
Liberals, opposition leaders given chilly reception at Assembly of First Nations meeting by Canadian Press
AFN, mothers call on all parties to support inquiry into policing by CTV News