(October 18, 2024 – Treaty No. 7 Territory, Calgary, Alberta) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak made the following statement at the closing of the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly on Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program.
“We want to thank Chiefs for joining the Special Chiefs Assembly and travelling to Treaty No. 7 Territory to participate in critical dialogue and decision-making about the future of our most precious resources: our children. We were encouraged by the debate that took place at the SCA so that the perspectives and lived experiences of First Nations regarding the Draft Agreement could be heard, and we fully respect the decisions made by the First Nations-in-Assembly. Ultimately, this is about securing the right agreement, one that respects the diverse perspectives of our communities and ensures the care and protection of our future generations. We must provide First Nations the resources and authority to care for our children but must do so in a way that honours our values and meets our needs.
The results of this Assembly send a strong message to the Government of Canada that they must do better. Last year, more First Nations children were removed from their communities and families than any time in Canada’s history. This is unacceptable. As we move forward, the thousands of First Nations children and families are in our hearts, those who have been separated, those in crisis. We also think of our Chiefs, who are returning home without a clear path forward. The status quo has prevailed, as has the industry that was built around apprehending First Nations children from their families.
Our children are our greatest priority, and we are united by a common belief that First Nations families should be empowered to look after their own children. The AFN has been directed to return to the negotiation table, a mandate we take seriously. We recognize the need for further work, and we are committed to undertaking these efforts as directed by First Nations-in-Assembly. The AFN Executive Committee will meet in the days ahead to discuss a path forward.
We thank Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), as well as Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict and the Chiefs of Ontario (COO), for their leadership throughout this process. I also acknowledge the dedication of the Chiefs, across the country. I thank the representative plaintiffs Ashley Bach, Karen Osachoff, Melissa Walterson, Noah Buffalo-Jackson, Carolyn Buffalo, and Richard Jackson for their advocacy and courage in standing up for the rights of First Nations children and families that felt the impact of Canada’s discriminatory practices. We will continue to support you as you consider the next steps in advocating for the rights of First Nations children and families impacted by Canada’s discriminatory practices,” concluded AFN National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak.
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern. Follow AFN on X @AFN_Updates.
Contact information:
Genna Benson
Director of Communications
Assembly of First Nations
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(604) 340-3117 (mobile)
Jamie Monastyrski
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
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(613) 612-7229 (mobile)