(March 30, 2026 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak released the following statement today in response by a decision from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) to approve the Ontario Final Agreement (OFA) to reform First Nations Child and Family Services in the region.
“I lift up Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict, Chiefs of Ontario (COO), Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), and all First Nations in Ontario for their commitment to transforming First Nations Child and Family Services,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “The approval of this agreement is a significant step forward that comes after years of advocacy and represents a win for First Nations’ self-determination. The contributions that both COO and NAN have provided in their decade-long advocacy at the CHRT have been crucial to First Nations across the country. We thank COO for supporting the roll out of Band Representative Services in all regions so that First Nations have a voice in child welfare proceedings, and we thank NAN for introducing critical First Nations-led research that ensures that funding matches the economic realities of First Nations in remote areas.”
“I also lift up the CHRT for this decision and for its commitment to improving outcomes for First Nations children,” continued National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “We continue to call on Canada to make the same commitment and to work with any region that chooses to pursue a regional path to long-term reform, and to resume the work towards a national agreement. We also hope to see the OFA funding flow swiftly and without delay.”
“Across Turtle Island, First Nations are busy restoring our inherent jurisdiction over our children and forcing federal and provincial governments to remove discrimination in their own systems. Children are our greatest gift from the Creator. We all must continue to work very hard to end federal and provincial discrimination that harms the well-being of First Nations children.” continued National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “In addition to this long-term reform agreement, we continue to see high numbers of successful claims in the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle Settlement, with more than 136,000 Claims made and $654 million paid to eligible Claimants. I encourage those who may be eligible to visit the Settlement website to submit a claim.”
“This is a good day for First Nations children,” concluded National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “As First Nations, we have the inherent right to oversee the wellbeing of our children, families and communities. We know what they need to thrive. On behalf of the AFN, congratulations to all parties for achieving this milestone.”
Mental health and wellness support is available 24 hours a day through the Hope for Wellness Helpline at 1-855-242-3310 or on its website www.HopeForWellness.com. Counselling is available in English, French, Cree and Ojibway upon request. Children and youth can also contact Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or by texting FIRSTNATIONS to 686868.
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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]