Ontario Final Agreement Takes Effect, Advancing First Nations Jurisdiction in Child and Family Services
Today marks a historic turning point for First Nations across Ontario as the Ontario Final Agreement (OFA) officially takes effect, advancing a new era of First Nations-led child and family services, grounded in inherent rights, jurisdiction, and the well-being of children and families. Leadership from the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) and Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) joined the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, in Ottawa to mark the beginning of implementation of the $8.5 billion agreement, which will reform the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program across Ontario.
The OFA is the result of decades of advocacy by First Nations Leadership, families, youth, survivors, frontline workers, and communities, who have long called for an end to the systemic inequities embedded within the child welfare system. Effective today, funding begins flowing under a new framework designed by and for First Nations, one that prioritizes prevention, family reunification, culture, and keeping children connected to their communities, languages, and identities.
The implementation ceremony was grounded in offerings and responsibilities to children and future generations. The gathering opened with a sacred pipe ceremony led by Knowledge Keeper Perry McLeod, followed by the water drum and big drum songs, youth remarks, leadership remarks, and ceremonial gifting between parties. A ceremonial honour song and a symbolic moss bag placement affirmed a shared commitment to protecting and supporting future generations through First Nations-led systems of care. “The Ontario Final Agreement affirms the inherent jurisdiction of First Nations over the care and wellbeing of their children and families, and the authority to design, govern, and deliver services grounded in their own laws and priorities. It is rooted in substantive equality and in the best interests of First Nation children, youth, young adults, and families, with a focus on real outcomes for future generations. We celebrate this milestone not only for our children today, but for the next seven generations to come,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict.
As implementation begins, First Nations in Ontario will enter a phased transition period focused on ensuring continuity of care while communities build long-term capacity and strengthen local service delivery systems. The Agreement includes significant investments to support culturally grounded prevention services, infrastructure, information technology, emergency response capacity, and data systems that better reflect First Nations realities and priorities.
“Today marks the beginning of systemic change for our children, and our future generations. When we started this work in 2016, our children were suffering at the hands of a discriminatory system. Our communities were under-resourced, and First Nations in remote communities were forced to do more with less. We knew all along that things had to change. I am proud today to celebrate the beginning of that change, with the implementation of the groundbreaking remoteness quotient work, that will ensure our communities receive funding based on need, that reflects the true cost of serving our children. Nothing can undo the harms that our children have faced over the years, but we have made a significant step forward in changing this system and recognizing the inherent authority of our communities to make decisions for the wellbeing of their children. This is only the beginning of a new chapter grounded in hope and healing,” said Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler.
The agreement also strengthens supports for young people transitioning out of care by providing more direct and flexible funding to First Nations for Post-Majority Support Services. These investments will help communities better support youth as they move into adulthood.
In addition, the OFA establishes a more sustainable and equitable approach to infrastructure planning, which will allow First Nations and service providers to identify long-term priorities and make strategic investments that support the delivery of child and family services in their communities.
To support accountability and shared oversight, the Ontario Reform Implementation Committee will serve as the primary governance body overseeing implementation of the reformed FNCFS program in Ontario. The committee is comprised of First Nations Leadership and technical representatives and will monitor the implementation progress and provide ongoing recommendations to Canada.
Today’s milestone marks more than an implementation of a new funding model, it represents a transformative shift towards First Nations jurisdiction, self-determination, and the restoration of systems of care rooted in First Nations laws, teachings, and responsibilities for future generations. As implementation moves forward, First Nations across Ontario remain focused on a shared goal, ensuring that every First Nation child grows up safe, supported, connected to their identity, and surrounded by their families and communities.
For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca