(May 6, 2026 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak today expressed her full support for Ontario First Nations calling for implementation of their $8.5 billion final agreement with the federal government for the long-term reform of Canada’s discriminatory child welfare system. Late last week, the Government of Canada requested a Judicial Review of the recent decision by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) favouring the Agreement. This decision could delay the funding roll-out scheduled to begin this month.
“Nothing is more important than our children. First Nations children and families in Ontario should not have to wait any longer to address systemic discrimination and funding inequities in the child welfare system,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “The Ontario Final Agreement took two decades to create. It is a win for self-determination and a win for First Nations children. While Canada has asked Ontario First Nations to trust that the Agreement will still be implemented by May 29, we will hold them accountable.”
In March 2026, the CHRT approved the Final Agreement on Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program (Ontario Final Agreement or OFA), exempting the two First Nations that opposed the OFA – Taykwa Tagamou Nation and Chippewas of Georgina Island.
On April 29, 2026, Canada filed an application for Judicial Review of the CHRT’s decision to exempt the two First Nations. The Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation have called on Canada to implement the full scope and funding of the OFA starting May 29, 2026, and to release the remoteness funding under the Remoteness Quotient Adjustment Factor.
“This process has already spanned two decades, and the focus now is moving forward with full and timely implementation,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “We stand with the Chiefs of Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and First Nations Leadership across Ontario in supporting the implementation of the Ontario Final Agreement, and in exercising self-determination through First Nations-led solutions. We are committed to ensuring that the Agreement is fully carried out, including the flow of all associated funding such as the remoteness adjustment, so that communities can begin to see meaningful and lasting improvements for children and families.”
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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.
For more information, please contact:
Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]