Federal Government Supporting Manitoba First Nations' Plans that Focus on Family Restoration

WINNIPEG, Oct. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is continuing to take concrete steps to transform how services are provided to First Nations children and families in communities in Manitoba and across the country.

Today, the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced a contribution of $800,000 to the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) First Nations Family Advocate Office (FNFAO).

The funding will be used to expand the advocacy role of the AMC FNFAO and to support families who have brought, or who are bringing, their children home after a period of time in child and family services (CFS) care. Through support for this initiative, the Government of Canada is also reaffirming its commitment to the AMC's Grandmothers Council and the important role the grandmothers will have in revitalizing traditional parenting ways, providing traditional knowledge as community customary care models are planned, and taking the lead role in preventing newborn apprehensions.

Quotes

"The role held by the First Nations Family Advocate Office is crucial in supporting our shared objective of ensuring that the needs of First Nations children and families are met. Our government is pleased to support the Advocate Office as we take important steps forward to transforming the First Nations Child and Family Services Program in Manitoba."

The Honourable Jane Philpott, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services

"Transforming the First Nations Child and Family Services Program in Manitoba is a daunting task that requires a commitment from all stakeholders to work together to move past a failing system. The 11,000 children in CFS care in Manitoba—90 percent Indigenous children—indicates we have a lot of work to do. With the Government of Canada's commitment to the AMC FNFAO and its support of the Office's advocacy work, Manitoba First Nations seek to reform a CFS system that is punitive in nature.

Grand Chief Arlen Dumas
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

Quick Facts

• The AMC officially opened the Manitoba FNFAO on June 1, 2015.
• During its opening ceremony, the FNFAO was gifted the name "Abinoojiyak Bigiiwewag," which translates to "Our Children are Coming Home."
• Since opening its doors, the FNFAO has completed intake for over 700 families and ensured that over 200 children return to their homes or home communities.
• In Manitoba, over 11,000 children are in CFS care---with over 90 percent of those children being indigenous.
•  The Government of Canada is investing $635 million over five years to address the funding gap in First Nations CFS and has committed up to $385 million over three years for a broader approach to Jordan's Principle.

Associated Links

Manitoba First Nations Family Advocate Office
First Nations Child and Family Services

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

media may contact: Andrew MacKendrick, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott, 819-956-5372; INAC Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160