Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty announced that $8.5 billion will begin flowing to Ontario First Nations on May 29 to reclaim their child welfare systems. The funding stems from a landmark settlement agreement reached between the federal government and 131 Ontario First Nations for long-term reform of on-reserve child and family services in their communities. The deal was approved in March by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.
The funding will support a variety of community needs including housing, food security, and addictions treatment. Indigenous Services Canada estimates it will make approximately $158 million of the $8.5 billion available by the end of May. The amount each First Nation receives will depend on its population, remoteness, and other factors, according to the department.
"Too many children grow up in systems that were never designed by their communities," Gull-Masty said during a news conference Friday in the House of Commons foyer. "When First Nations exercise their jurisdiction over child and family services, we see the outcomes that matter the most and we see significant improvement".
The settlement funding is being delivered on top of money communities are already receiving for child and family services and will be provided to First Nations and to child and family service providers.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, whose organization represents 49 First Nations in northern Ontario, told CBC News the money will help communities make their own decisions about their children, prevent apprehensions, and keep them connected to their culture.
