“Children First”: Treaty 8 Urban Child and Family Services Meet on Regional Reform for the First Nations Child and Family Services Program
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Posted by Shelby Percival
- Posted in BlogsNews
On May 13 and 14, 2026, technicians and Delegated First Nation Agency representatives from across Treaty 8 Alberta gathered in Edmonton to discuss a potential regional agreement on the long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program. The discussions focused on how Treaty 8 Alberta First Nations can shape a regional approach that reflects the realities, priorities, and governance structures of their own communities, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all national framework.
The meetings also addressed the opportunities presented by a potential regional agreement, including increased regional decision-making authority, strengthened data sovereignty, and culturally grounded governance structures.
Counsel from Falconers LLP, including Julian Falconer and Meaghan Daniel, presented on the history of long-term reform negotiations, the development of the groundbreaking Remoteness Quotient Adjustment Factor, and the lessons emerging from the Ontario Final Agreement process. The central theme of the presentation was that what worked in Ontario does not necessarily work for Treaty 8 Alberta. At the same time, meaningful negotiations must begin as soon as possible to ensure Treaty 8 Alberta voices shape the implementation of reform in the region.
Falconers LLP partner Julian Falconer, associates Meaghan Daniel and Erin McMurray, and paralegal David Schwartz are honoured to support Treaty 8 UCFS in this work.
To learn more about:
- Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta – visit: https://treaty8.org/
- Treaty 8 Urban Child and Family Services – visit: https://www.treaty8urban.ca/
