National Children’s Chiefs Commission: First Nations Children can’t wait any longer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 16, 2025

(Algonquin Anishinaabeg Territory, Ottawa, ON). Canada’s failure to act is costing First Nations children their lives, futures, and fundamental rights. While politicians discuss resource management and nation building under Bill C-5, they are neglecting our most precious resource: our children. Over the past nine months, the National Children’s Chiefs Commission (the Commission) has repeatedly called on Canada to return to the negotiating table to end its discrimination against First Nations children. Canada has ignored every call and has actively opposed our efforts to advance the best interests of our children.

Chief Pauline Frost, Chair of the Commission asks:

“The Prime Minister wants First Nations to get onboard with its ‘nation building’ plans. How can we talk about resource management while Canada refuses to end its discrimination against our most precious resource—our children? Our children can’t wait any longer. The Commission is moving forward, in collaboration with the First Nations Caring Society, to determine the measures that will finally end Canada’s discrimination against First Nations children.”

Chief Kelsey Jacko, Commissioner from Alberta, states:

“The Commissioners have our elbows up and we hope the Prime Minister will join us to fight for First Nations children.”

In 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (the Tribunal) found that Canada was discriminating against First Nation’s children and families. The Tribunal ordered Canada to reform the First Nations Child & Family Services (FNCFS) program, end the discrimination, and ensure it never reoccurs. Canada has repeatedly refused to take meaningful action and the discrimination continues. The Tribunal and the Federal Court have issued over 30 procedural and non-compliance orders against Canada.

In October 2024, the First Nations Chiefs-in-Assembly established the National Children’s Chiefs Commission in the wake of a failed settlement agreement. The Chiefs identified serious shortcomings and concluded the agreement would not adequately address Canada’s discrimination. They established a new pathway forward, led by the National Children’s Chiefs Commission.

The Commission has made extensive efforts to negotiate with Canada. Canada has repeatedly refused to engage, despite Prime Minister Carney’s commitment that “the next generation of First Nations children will not experience the same harms that have occurred for too long.”  

“Our children and our future generations are waiting for us. The resources the politicians are discussing belong to our children. They deserve far more than this. If Canada refuses to engage, the Commission will use all options to hold Canada accountable and end their discrimination,” says Chief Kelsey Jacko.

“Canada’s delays are not harmless,” reminds Chief Pauline Frost. “They cause trauma that compounds over time. The window for childhood is small and easily lost forever to broken systems and empty promises.” 

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For further comment, please contact:

• Chief Pauline Frost, Chair, National Children’s Chiefs Commission:  867 334 1867
• Chief Kelsey Jacko, Alberta Commissioner: 780 815 1159

The Our Children Our Way Society hosts the National Children’s Chiefs Commission