set up the National Children’s Chiefs’ Commission (NCCC). The NCCC is made up of 11 regional appointments. The NCCC has been working since November 2025, without federal funding. The NCCC had their Terms of Reference (ToR) and the Negotiation ToR approved by AFN First Nations-in- Assembly. The NCCC has regional support of technicians and lawyers. Two lawyers have been appointed as NCCC counsel. The negotiation team is repre- sented from across Turtle Island. The NCCC now has the support of the AFN through the appointment of AFNQL Regional Chief Francis Verreault-Paul. In September 2025, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) issued order 2025 CHRT 80, which ordered the Government of Canada, AFN and the Caring Society to engage with each other, the NCCC, all regions and rejected parties to the ONT Agreement and provide a joint or separate plan. Canada chose not to engage with the NCCC. The NCCC and the Caring Society worked together to engage and wrote the Loving Justice Plan. AFN supported the Loving Justice Plan. The NCCC also applied for “Interested Party” status to the CHRT, which Canada, COO and NAN did not support, while the Caring Society and AFN did support. As of Feb. 25, 2025, the CHRT redirected the NCCC to resubmit their application without affidavits. The CHRT hearing on the ONT Agreement was on Feb. 25 and 26, 2026. Just a few days prior, COO and NAN were denied by the CHRT to have any input in the National Plan process. The National Assembly of Remote Communities (NARC) is continuing its work accordingly to its mandate, and FSIN is supporting its work to establish a First Nations Representatives Network. The FSIN conducted regional research and community engagement in 2024- 2025. In 2026, it wants to conduct specific research on the First Nations basic needs of prevention services, First Nation representatives and post- majority services. Navigation, Referrals and Advocacy (NRA) CWSD continues to provide Nation members with NRA support, including individual/child(ren) advocacy, court support, system navigation and assistance in working directly with the Ministry of Social Services (MSS) in child welfare, income assistance, avoiding houselessness, disabilities, compensation and general questions. Over the past year, FSIN has supported a growing number of children, youth, individuals, Elders and families, helping them understand their rights, have their voices heard and navigate the system with greater confidence. CHILD WELFARE As As a s a credit nion nion un u n g g m sin sin my my member, us r, us embe card rewards y com com y mmunity. mmunity. my my Banking that matches your needs and values Scan to learn more! First Nations Child and Family Services Long-Term Reform In 2007, the Caring Society and AFN filed a human rights complaint under the Canadian Human Rights Act alleging that the Government of Canada’s flawed and inequitable provision of FNCFS and its failure to properly implement Jordan’s Principle was discriminatory on the prohibited grounds of race, national or ethnic origin. On Jan. 26, 2016, the CHRT issued its order on the merits of the case, substantiating the discrimination and ordering Canada to immediately cease its discriminatory conduct. Canada did not contest this order but failed to comply (obey the order). Canada filed a “protective appeal” of the Federal Court decision on Sept. 29, 2021. During the same time, an Agreement-in-Principle was signed by the parties. On July 11, 2024, Canada, AFN, Chiefs of Ontario (COO) and Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) signed the Draft Agreement on Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program. On Sept. 25, 2024, FSIN hosted an online Special Chiefs Assembly on the Draft Agreement, and FSIN Chiefs voted “no” to supporting the Agreement. On Oct. 17, 2024, at the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly on FNCFS, Chiefs voted “no” to the Agreement. The following day, Chiefs supported AFN Resolution 60/2024 and 61/2024 to 14 OUR PRIORITY Issue 1 2025/26
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