The Manitoba government and First Nation chiefs from across the province have signed a historic relationship declaration, transferring jurisdiction over child welfare to First Nations. The announcement was made today by Premier Wab Kinew and Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine.
Premier Kinew emphasized the importance of cultural identity for every child in the province, stating, “Every child in our province deserves to grow up with the ability to answer who they are and where they come from.” He added that the government is working with First Nations to ensure children in care maintain connections to their families, culture, and language.
Minister Fontaine echoed these sentiments, highlighting that “First Nations children in care do better when they’re able to stay within community and connected to culture.” She acknowledged the need for improvements in the current child welfare system and affirmed that First Nations are best placed to care for their own children.
The relationship declaration was signed at a roundtable meeting attended by nearly 40 Indigenous leaders from across Manitoba. Chief Gordon Bluesky of the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation expressed his commitment to ensuring access to adequate capital infrastructure and supporting the exercise of treaty and inherent rights.
The move aligns with Bill C-92, a federal act passed in 2020 that reaffirms the authority of Indigenous nations to pass and enforce laws related to child and family services. Manitoba signed its first co-ordination agreement with Peguis First Nation and Canada in 2023, supporting the transfer of jurisdiction through amendments to the Child and Family Services (CFS) Act.
The declaration responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action to reduce the number of Indigenous children in care and affirms the right of Indigenous governments to establish and maintain their own child welfare agencies. It also aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
As of March 31, 2023, 91 per cent of the 8,990 children in care in Manitoba were Indigenous.
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