Landmark Agreement Reached: Chiefs of Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and Canada Sign Historic Ontario Final Agreement to Reform Child and Family Services
Ottawa, ON – February 26, 2025 (21:43) – In a historic moment for Indigenous self-determination and child welfare reform, the Chiefs of Ontario (COO), the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), and the Government of Canada have signed the Ontario Final Agreement (OFA) today in Ottawa. This agreement, years in the making, aims to fundamentally overhaul the child and family services system for First Nations children in Ontario, placing control and decision-making power firmly in the hands of Indigenous communities.
The signing ceremony, attended by Indigenous leadership, federal officials, and media representatives, marked a significant step towards ending the systemic overrepresentation of First Nations children in the child welfare system. The OFA represents a collaborative and culturally-appropriate approach to addressing the long-standing issues that have disproportionately impacted First Nations families and communities.
Key Elements of the Ontario Final Agreement:
The OFA is built on several core principles:
- Indigenous Self-Determination: The agreement recognizes and upholds the inherent right of First Nations to self-determination in matters relating to children and families. This includes the right to design, implement, and control their own child and family services.
- Nation-to-Nation Relationship: The OFA solidifies the nation-to-nation relationship between First Nations and the Crown, recognizing the unique rights and responsibilities of each party.
- Funding Adequacy and Predictability: A key component of the agreement is the commitment from the federal government to provide long-term, predictable, and adequate funding for First Nations-led child and family services. This addresses a major historical barrier to effective service delivery.
- Cultural Preservation and Identity: The agreement prioritizes the cultural preservation and identity of First Nations children, ensuring that they are raised within their communities and connected to their language, traditions, and heritage.
- Prevention and Early Intervention: The OFA emphasizes a shift from crisis intervention to prevention and early intervention programs aimed at supporting families and preventing children from entering care in the first place. This includes investments in community-based services, mental health supports, and family wellness initiatives.
- Data Sovereignty and Information Sharing: The agreement establishes clear protocols for data sharing and data sovereignty, ensuring that First Nations have control over information related to their children and families.
- Oversight and Accountability: The OFA includes mechanisms for ongoing oversight and accountability, ensuring that the agreement is implemented effectively and that the rights of First Nations children are protected.
Specific Outcomes and Initiatives:
The OFA is expected to lead to a number of specific outcomes and initiatives, including:
- Establishment of First Nations Child and Family Services Agencies: First Nations will be empowered to create and operate their own child and family services agencies, tailored to the specific needs of their communities.
- Development of Culturally-Appropriate Laws and Policies: First Nations will have the authority to develop their own laws and policies related to child welfare, reflecting their unique cultural values and traditions.
- Increased Access to Indigenous-Led Services: First Nations children and families will have access to a wider range of Indigenous-led services, including traditional healing, cultural supports, and language revitalization programs.
- Reduced Number of First Nations Children in Care: The agreement aims to significantly reduce the number of First Nations children in care, particularly those placed outside of their communities.
- Improved Outcomes for First Nations Children: By providing culturally-appropriate and community-driven services, the OFA is expected to improve the overall well-being and outcomes for First Nations children.
Quotes from Key Leaders:
- Grand Chief of the Chiefs of Ontario, Ava Stonechild: “This agreement represents a monumental step towards true reconciliation and self-determination for First Nations in Ontario. For too long, our children have been disproportionately impacted by a system that failed to recognize our inherent rights and cultural values. Today, we reclaim our responsibility to care for our children in accordance with our own laws and traditions.”
- Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Alvin Fiddler: “The Ontario Final Agreement signifies a turning point in the way child and family services are delivered to our communities. This agreement, born of years of work, allows us to implement long lasting changes that reflect our customs, culture, and traditions. We are determined to build a system that protects our children, strengthens our families, and promotes the well-being of our communities.”
- Federal Minister of Indigenous Services, Hon. Emily Carter: “The Government of Canada is committed to working in partnership with First Nations to address the systemic issues that have led to the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in care. The Ontario Final Agreement is a testament to our commitment to reconciliation and to supporting Indigenous self-determination in child and family services. We are proud to be a partner in this historic undertaking and will continue to provide the necessary resources and support to ensure its success.”
Challenges and the Road Ahead:
While the OFA represents a significant achievement, challenges remain. Successful implementation will require ongoing collaboration, strong leadership, and continued commitment from all parties involved. Ensuring the sustainability of funding, building capacity within First Nations communities, and addressing systemic barriers to access will be crucial to achieving the long-term goals of the agreement.
The signing of the Ontario Final Agreement is a historic moment that holds the promise of a brighter future for First Nations children and families in Ontario. It marks a shift towards a more just and equitable system that recognizes and respects the rights of Indigenous peoples to care for their own children and to shape their own destinies. The coming years will be crucial as the agreement is implemented and its impact on the lives of First Nations children and communities is realized.
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