Canada's Government is set to submit a plan to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal to reform the First Nations Child and Family Services program, with the Government saying it will support First Nations-led regional agreements within a national framework.
The announcement was recently made in Ottawa by the Minister of Indigenous Services, Mandy Gull-Masty.
Ms Gull-Masty said the plan was aimed at long-term reform designed and led by First Nations, with the Government linking the approach to fewer children being removed from families.
"This is a historic turning point for First Nations children," she said.
"For decades, governments failed them.
"Today, we are changing that - for good... long-term reform of First Nations Child and Family Services means fewer children taken from their families, stronger communities, and systems designed and led by First Nations themselves."
The plan sets out regional approaches for child and family services while operating within a coherent national framework.
Funding of $35.5 billion has been allocated to 2033-34, with an ongoing commitment of $4.4 billion annually to follow.
The approach is intended to enable First Nations-led regional agreements across the country and support solutions designed by and for First Nations to keep children connected to their families, cultures, and communities.
The plan is framed as a response to the number of First Nations children in care and an attempt to strengthen families rather than separate them.
Regional agreements would allow First Nations to tailor delivery of child and family services to distinct realities and reflect regional context through greater control over governance, reporting, and planning frameworks.
The approach builds on the Final Agreement on Long-Term Reform of the program in Ontario and is presented as supporting First Nations jurisdiction and leadership.
Funding also includes additional supports for First Nations representatives who act as cultural and legal advocates for members, with a focus on upholding children's rights and helping keep children connected to family, culture and community.
Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, Rebecca Chartrand, said the plan centred culture and connection in support of children.
"This is a hopeful step forward that recognises the strength of our families and the resilience of our children," she said.
"By centring culture and connection, we are setting a clear path that supports children to thrive, not just today, but for generations to come."
The program provides funding to about 140 delegated agencies, provincial and Yukon governments, and about 580 First Nations for services aimed at keeping First Nations children safe from harm and supporting them to remain with their families and in their communities.
Since the tribunal's initial decision in 2016, funding increased from $600 million to $3.9 billion in 2024-2025.
In early 2025, Canada signed an $8.5 billion final agreement with the Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation to implement long-term reforms in Ontario.
The agreement is currently before the tribunal for consideration and approval and is included in the overall $35.5 billion commitment.
As of December 2, 2025, more than $267 million in compensation has been paid to class members who experienced discrimination in the program.
National delivery of child and family services will continue in line with tribunal orders while regional negotiations progress.
Additional funding to support regional agreements and further changes to the program's funding and policy framework will depend on program assessments in 2031-32 and 2036-37
