Ontario First Nations to Make Final Submissions on Historic Child Welfare Agreement
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Posted by Shelby Percival
- Posted in BlogsNews
It is a reminder that every policy, every negotiation, and every submission must ultimately answer one question: does this make life better for First Nations children, youth, and families?
On Thursday, February 26, 2026, exactly one year after Ontario First Nation Chiefs from Nishnawbe Aski Nation (“NAN”) and the Chiefs of Ontario (“COO”) gathered at a Special Chiefs’ Assembly to ratify a Regional Final Agreement to reform the First Nations Child and Family Services Program, they will stand together once again. Alongside Canada, NAN and COO will deliver their final submissions before the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (“CHRT”) in Ottawa and speak about the real needs that First Nations children have faced and continue to face.
While these submissions mark an important milestone in a long and difficult legal journey, they do not represent an end. Rather, they will hopefully mark the beginning of a new chapter, one grounded in hope, and a shared commitment to ensure First Nations children, youth, and families receive funding based on real needs. These submissions represent a step toward restoring decision-making authority to First Nations communities, empowering them to determine how child and family services should be delivered to best reflect their realities and priorities.
Julian Falconer, Meaghan Daniel, Erin McMurray, Jordan Tully, and David Schwartz of Falconers LLP are honoured to have been a part of the negotiations team for NAN in their efforts to achieve real systemic change for remote Indigenous communities in respect of the child welfare system.
Members of the public wishing to observe are able to register for the webinar at the following link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nV2UYXjTR–JJXRb-m8lXQ. After registering, a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar will be sent.
A copy of the Ontario Final Agreement can be found here.
