Tribunal decision expected in coming months as leaders push for stable funding and First Nations jurisdiction in child welfare
March 3, 2026 — INDIGENOUS NEWS — The Chiefs of Ontario (COO) and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN)say they have concluded oral submissions before the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) in hearings tied to the Ontario Final Agreement (OFA) Approval Motion, with final proceedings held February 26–27, 2026.
The organizations describe the hearings as a major milestone in ongoing efforts to reform First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) in Ontario, with the CHRT’s decision expected in the next few months.
“About more than funding”: leaders frame agreement as jurisdiction and long-term stability
Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict said the OFA is aimed at securing the resources and authority needed for First Nations communities to support children within their cultures and home communities.
“Our commitment to our communities is unwavering,” Benedict said. “The Ontario Final Agreement is about more than funding, it is about securing the resources and jurisdiction necessary to ensure our children grow up immersed in their culture and supported by their communities.”
NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler emphasized decision-making authority, stating that First Nations leadership should be responsible for choices affecting their children.
“This agreement represents years of advocacy with the ultimate goal of putting the authority back in the hands of the leadership to make decisions about their children,” Fiddler said.
Tribunal process and evidence: non-expert testimony excluded, COO and NAN say
COO and NAN said they focused on ensuring the CHRT process met high standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability, including close examination of evidence presented.
In their statement, COO and NAN noted the CHRT excluded non-expert testimony from a witness, Dr. Dean Neu, after cross-examination in December 2025. They said it was established that he did not have expertise in First Nations contexts, child welfare, or human rights, and did not consult First Nations individuals or child welfare professionals before writing his report.
What the Ontario Final Agreement aims to change
COO and NAN say the OFA prioritizes child and family wellbeing by moving away from unstable “actuals” funding toward predictable, long-term resources meant to support:
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Prevention services
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Community capacity building
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Implementation readiness
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Advancing First Nations jurisdiction in child and family services
They also highlighted years of work by First Nations leadership, technicians, agencies, and community representatives, including preparation activities such as cultural humility training, capital planning, alternative dispute mechanisms, and building data supports for implementation.
Broader advocacy continues: Jordan’s Principle and 1965 Indian Welfare Agreement
COO says the OFA is a cornerstone of Ontario-specific reform, but not the end of advocacy.
“Our advocacy extends beyond this agreement,” said Grand Chief Joel Abram of the Association of Iroquois & Allied Indians, who also serves as Portfolio Holder of the COO Chiefs Committee on Social Services. He pointed to continued work on Jordan’s Principle, the 1965 Indian Welfare Agreement, and system reforms in areas including education, justice, housing, and infrastructure.
COO and NAN are encouraging First Nations and stakeholders to stay engaged as the tribunal decision approaches. Updates and documents are available through the FNCFS reform information site.
