Ontario First Nations Set to Receive $8.5B for Child Welfare

Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty announced that starting May 29, $8.5 billion will begin reaching Ontario First Nations to take back control of their child welfare systems.

This funding comes from a significant settlement agreement between the federal government and 131 Ontario First Nations aimed at long-term changes in on-reserve child and family services within their communities. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal approved this deal last March.

According to Indigenous Services Canada, around $158 million of the total amount should be available by the end of this month. How much each First Nation receives will depend on factors like population size, location, and other considerations, as outlined by the department.

“Too many children grow up in systems that were never designed by their communities,” Gull-Masty stated during a press conference on Friday in the House of Commons foyer. “When First Nations exercise their jurisdiction over child and family services, we see positive outcomes that matter most and notable improvements.”

The settlement funds will be provided in addition to what communities are already receiving for child and family services. These funds will go directly to First Nations as well as service providers focused on child and family care.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, representing 49 northern Ontario First Nations, shared with that this funding will empower communities to make decisions about their children, reduce apprehensions, and help keep them connected to their culture.

“I’m really excited about what this will mean for our communities,” Fiddler expressed. “I’m just so grateful.”

Fiddler noted that while each First Nation may use its share differently, all funds are expected to support various needs such as facilities for child and family services, housing initiatives, food security programs, and addiction treatment options.

Alvin Fiddler, right, Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, mentioned that every First Nation in Ontario would allocate its portion of the $8.5 billion uniquely; however, they all share a common goal: keeping children within their own communities. (Nathan Denette/Canadian Press)

First Nations along with service providers are required to regularly report back to Indigenous Services Canada about how they’re using these funds under the agreement. The department also indicated it might conduct audits if needed.

“We welcome that oversight,” Fiddler added.

The agreement made in Ontario could serve as a model for creating similar regional agreements with other First Nations across Canada for shaping their own child and family services.

“As a former First Nations leader-and also as a mother-I know firsthand how important it is for communities to shape systems serving their children,” Gull-Masty remarked.

Discussions are ongoing with Treaty 8 and Treaty 6 First Nations located in Western Canada along with groups like the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs plus those from Atlantic Canada and Quebec according to Gull-Masty.

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal requested that negotiations conclude by fall; she mentioned she wants these discussions not rushed but instead allows communities time to decide whether they prefer regional agreements or joining a national plan.

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson told they’re exploring a regional arrangement but want assurances it includes sufficient support for families and caregivers alongside infrastructure-covering all First Nations kids rather than just those living on reserves.

“We need to ensure that we’re not leaving any children behind,” Wilson stressed. “This process obviously can’t be rushed; we’ll make sure Canada understands they’ll have to respect our timelines too.”

Ottawa Pursuing Other Regional Agreements

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal has approved the Ontario deal involving nearly all of the province’s First Nations except Georgina Island First Nation and Taykwa Tagamou First Nation.

Gull-Masty indicated that the federal government is seeking a narrow judicial review regarding this decision for clarification purposes.

A letter decision was issued by the tribunal upon approving the deal ensuring no loss of funding occurred over an entire year while stating formal details would follow later on.
Gull-Masty visited Georgina Island recently describing her conversation there with its chief and council positively.
She also reached out to Taykwa Tagamou assuring both communities’ federal funding for child welfare services will continue uninterrupted.
attempted contact with both Georgina Island and Taykwa Tagamou but did not receive responses prior to deadline.
Grand Chief Kyra Wilson from Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs addressed attendees at an Assembly of First Nations Annual General Assembly held in Winnipeg September 3rd 2025.(John Woods/Canadian Press)

A ruling made by Canadian Human Rights Tribunal back in 2016 concluded Ottawa had discriminated against Indigenous kids leading into substantial trauma impacting lives significantly over years caused through inadequate support mechanisms offered via government initiatives present at times previously recognized elsewhere politically speaking!. A subsequent order came forth demanding maximum penalties payable pursuant laws enforced under said act alongside calls directed towards implementing long-lasting reforms pertaining specifically addressing matters surrounding respective associations responsible overseeing local agencies committed providing adequate care based off cultural perspectives rooted deeply woven traditions upheld proudly reflective community values cherished collectively throughout generations past!.    [Insert]  . More than twenty-three billion dollars allocated individually benefiting hundreds thousands connected through tribal networks known spanning vast areas stretching across North America’s borders facing challenges alike! Meanwhile remaining efforts centered around achieving longer-term goals still rest primarily unresolved overall proving critical needing urgent attention towards improvement steadily achieved through dedicated partnerships forged collaboratively moving forward jointly reinforcing commitments promised!—</style>< br /> The national proposal put forth encompassing forty-seven point eight billion dollars intended reforms stipulated failing include provisions targeting missing elements vital encompassing regions outside designated territories thus diminishing impact promised resulting falling short meeting obligations previously set forth!”

The chiefs representing various tribes gathering together ultimately approved separate provincial plans crafted alongside Ottawa forming first-of-its-kind arrangements establishing foundations solidly built securing futures bright ahead progressing smoothly transitioning away historical patterns repeating cycle seen countless times before..”

An entirely new approach emerged led forth Prime Minister Mark Carney governing body initiating proposals hinting at thirty-five point five billion dollar pledges extending till two thousand thirty-three followed consistently four point four annually thereafter indefinitely contributing positively towards enhancing capabilities operationally without hindrance delaying advancement desired..

Pursuant evaluations being undertaken presently evaluated strictly examined concurrently countered proposals articulated containing visions driven passionately safeguarding interests reflecting aspirations nurtured diligently standing strong resilient adapting evolving unyieldingly grasping possibilities unfolding limitless horizons ahead filled great hope instilling renewed optimism thriving boundless opportunities arise captivating hearts minds souls..(insert-keep regular spaced){displaystyle }{X}”>

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