The MKO Family First Nation Secretariat is working to improve outcomes for First Nations children, youth and families.

The Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) was created to provide a voice for First Nations in northern Manitoba that felt they were not being heard. It is meant to create opportunities by advocating, lobbying and protecting the powers and authority of the 26 MKO sovereign First Nations, and their inherent Treaty and Aboriginal rights. The Family First Nation Secretariat is focused on promoting prevention, safety and the rights of First Nation children.

Annual Report for the Year Ending March 31, 2022.

Companion Document to 2022 Child Welfare Secretariat Annual Report – Family Law Template

View previous Annual Reports here.

During the 1980s, the MKO leadership and community representatives raised concerns about child and family matters, including the overrepresentation of First Nations children in the CFS system, children lost through the “sixties scoop”, and the intergenerational impact of residential schools.

In 1992, the MKO Chiefs-in-Assembly called for the establishment of a MKO child and family secretariat to act as a resource and support centre for the First Nations child and family services agencies in northern Manitoba.

Between 1992 and 2000, with the support of the MKO leadership, MKO staff initiated the developmental work to establish a MKO child and family secretariat.

In July 2000, the MKO Child Welfare Secretariat office was formally established. In April 2023, as directed by the MKO Chiefs Task Force on Child Welfare Transformation, the name was changed to the MKO Family First Nation Secretariat.

As directed by the MKO Chiefs-in-Assembly, the primary role of the MKO Family First Nation Secretariat is to provide advocacy and technical support to the MKO leadership and communities in child welfare. The Secretariat also provides advocacy and support to First Nations children, youth and families in Manitoba, as well as other jurisdictions.

• Providing advocacy and technical support to the MKO leadership
• Providing support to MKO First Nations in exercising jurisdiction in child welfare
• Research and analysis
• Policy and proposal development
• Advocacy and support to First Nations children, youth and families
• Community consultation and engagement
• Participation on advisory and technical committees

In July 1996, the MKO Chiefs-in-Assembly called for the implementation of a community consultation process to document values and beliefs on child and family matters to serve as a foundation for developing a legislative framework for First Nations child and family services. The MKO Child and Family Jurisdiction Project was established in December 1996 to undertake this work.

Between 1997 and 2000, an extensive community consultation process was conducted in the MKO First Nations. The process included community workshops, a community survey, and an Elders Forum.

In 1998, the MKO Chiefs-in-Assembly called for the development of a legislative framework for First Nations child and family services.

In 1999, following a consultation process, the draft MKO Family Law, called Minisiwin Winiswaywin, was created to promote family unity and wellness and to serve as a basis for MKO First Nations to develop their own laws for child welfare.  It was endorsed by the MKO Chiefs‑in‑Assembly in 1999.

Between 2000 and 2018, the Secretariat continued to develop the draft MKO Family Law in collaboration with stakeholders, including the MKO leadership and community members, First Nations Child and Family Services Agencies, and the First Nations of Northern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority.

On June 21, 2019, Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Metis children, youth and families became law.  In November 2019, the MKO Chiefs-in-Assembly directed the Secretariat to update the draft MKO Family Law in relation to Bill C-92.

On January 1, 2020, the federal law, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Metis children, youth and families, came into effect.  The federal Act enables Indigenous communities to develop their own laws for child and family services.

Since 2020, as directed by the MKO leadership, the MKO Child Welfare Secretariat continued to develop the draft MKO Family Law in relation to the federal Act and create a template law for all MKO communities to use and customize if they choose.  The Secretariat has been working with Mack Law Corp. in developing the draft MKO Family Law Template.

On May 27, 2021, the MKO Executive Council adopted the motion to move forward with the MKO Family Law template, remove the “Draft”, and circulate it to the MKO communities.

The Secretariat is available to support and assist MKO First Nations in developing child welfare laws at their request.

Jordan’s Principle is a legal rule and child-first principle named in memory of Jordan River Anderson. It esnures First Nations children receive the services and supports they need when they need them. Canada is legally responsible for implementing Jordan’s Principle.

What is covered?

Any service, support or item that a First Nations child needs, including:

• Health needs
  • Mobility aids
  • Medical health services
  • Medical supplies
• Social needs
  • Land-based activities
  • Specialized summer camps
  • Respite
• Educational needs
  • Tutoring
  • Teaching assistants
  • Assisted technologies

Who is eligible?

First Nations children from birth to the age of majority (to the age of 18 in Manitoba).

How do I apply?

To apply, please call the MKO Office at: (204) 500-0210 or (204) 500-0259.

For more information, please contact Janine Spence, Program Admin Assistant, by email at: [email protected].

Ensuring that all First Nations youth and young adults aging out of care are given opportunities to thrive like any other youth or young adult in Canada by supporting them in the delivery of wrap-around services that promote holistic positive outcomes.

What is covered?

Eligible activities are based on the distinct needs of youth and young adults and could include activities under the following eight pillars.

• Financial Supports
• Housing
• Culture & Spirituality
• Advocacy & Rights
• Educational & Professional Development
• Relationship Building/Development
• Health & Well-Being
• Emerging Adulthood Development

Who is eligible?

Youth who are in First Nations Child and Family Services care and are approaching the age of majority, who have exercised a voluntary care provision to leave care prior to the age of majority, and/or individuals who have reached the age of majority and are under the age of 26.

How do I apply?

To apply, please call the MKO Office at: (204) 500-0210 or (204) 500-0259.

For more information, please contact Janine Spence, Program Admin Assistant, by email at: [email protected].

MARCH 29, 30 AND 31, 2022 IN WINNIPEG, MANITOBA