For Immediate Release

July 30, 2026

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) recognizes the Manitoba government’s announcement by Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine on July 28, 2026, to initiate an independent external review of the provincial child and family services (CFS) funding and governance model.

“The government’s decision to conduct a review of Single Envelope Funding is long overdue. The MKO Chiefs, CFS Authorities and advocates have been calling for an independent evaluation of the funding model since its introduction in 2019,” stated MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee.

The overrepresentation of Indigenous children in care continues despite promises to improve outcomes for children and families and move to a model of customary care. Today, in Manitoba, 91 percent of children in the CFS system are Indigenous children.

MKO is responsible for appointing the board of directors to the First Nations of Northern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority. In support of the Northern Authority, the MKO Chiefs have expressed concerns about Single Envelope Funding. As per a MKO resolution last year, the MKO Chiefs in Assembly are calling upon the Province of Manitoba to review its CFS funding structure to provide direct, equitable and needs-based funding to First Nations and First Nations CFS agencies, in partnership with First Nations leadership.

The Single Envelope Funding model must be updated to reflect the following:

  • current children in care volumes
  • increased case complexity
  • inflation
  • specialized placements
  • enhanced staffing ratios
  • Special Rates pressures
  • modern operating costs
  • and the removal of the Children’s Special Allowance from all funding calculations

Throughout the external review, which is expected to begin later this year and take about a year to complete, it is imperative that the government includes First Nations Leadership, the CFS Authorities, including the Northern Authority and its mandated CFS agencies, as participants and partners in the process.

“Following the review, and based on the findings and recommendations, any proposed changes to Single Envelope Funding must be developed and implemented by Manitoba in collaboration with First Nations Leadership including MKO member Nations and with the CFS Authorities, including the Northern Authority”, said Grand Chief Settee.

MKO is hopeful that through the review, Manitoba’s CFS system will be improved as demonstrated by better outcomes for children, youth and families, including a reduction in the number of Indigenous children in care.

 

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Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) is a non-profit, political advocacy organization that has represented 26 First Nation communities in Manitoba’s North since 1981. The MKO represents more than 72,000 First Nations people.