Ontario Final Agreement (OFA): Engagement and Pre-Implementation Gathering Summary & Report
Intended to support ongoing engagement, planning, and preparation toward the implementation of the OFA and the long-term reform of the First Nation Child and Family Services Program, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) hosted the Ontario Final Agreement (OFA): Engagement and Pre-Implementation Gathering in-person in Thunder Bay, ON and online, January 13-15. Along with Tikinagan, three other Indigenous child wellbeing agencies were present. Communities sent three community members in-person.
Approved by NAN and Chiefs of Ontario (COO) Chiefs in February 2025 and still awaiting Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) approval, the OFA represents a major shift in child and family services, transferring greater responsibility—and associated funding—to First Nations. Once the OFA takes effect, First Nations will have six months to submit their own plans to Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), while Tikinagan and First Nations must co-develop and submit plans to ISC, including an Environmental Scan, Agency Summary, and Child & Community Wellbeing Plan (CCWP).
The gathering reaffirmed that while the OFA introduces new changes, it aligns with Tikinagan’s longstanding service model, Mamow Obiki‑ahwahsoowin—“everybody working together to raise our children.” Over the past four decades, change has been a consistent reality for the agency, but Tikinagan remains guided by the direction of Chiefs and rooted in traditional values. The OFA strengthens this foundation by supporting First Nations to design and lead the services that best meet the needs of their families and children.
Summary
On Day 1, there were presentations and information shared on OFA timelines; Requirements, and Responsibilities of Agencies; and capital projects.
On Day 2, Sandy Lake First Nation and Mishkeegogamang First Nation presented on their Prevention programs. The morning concluded with a Youth Panel. Then each agency broke out into smaller sessions with their communities to begin discussions in the afternoon.
On Day 3, agencies continued their conversations with communities and summarized initial priority themes.
Click the link view the full summary of the discussions, key themes, and next steps taken from the gathering: Niigaanshkaawin Pre-Implementation Engagement Summary Report.
Niigaanshkaawin is an initiative that aims to support each of Tikinagan Child and Family Services’ 30 First Nation communities as they decide and implement the right path for their Child Welfare systems.