Manitoba First Nations leaders say court decision on harms in child welfare should be wake-up call for governments
Posted May 13, 2026 5:20 pm.
Last Updated May 13, 2026 7:19 pm.
Against the backdrop of what chiefs describe as a landmark ruling, First Nations leadership gathered on Long Plain First Nation near Portage la Prairie to discuss a decision they say recognizes the lasting harm caused by decades of Indigenous children being taken from their families, communities, and culture.
“Time and time again, court rulings are in favour for our children,” said Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson.
A Manitoba judge found that Canada and Manitoba breached First Nations’ inherent protected right to self-government in child welfare. The 385-page decision states that government actions contributed to the overrepresentation of First Nations children in care and the separation of children from their Nations, language, and culture.
“Canada and Manitoba have been violating our constitutional, aboriginal, and Indigenous rights, and that’s what this exposed, that there was harm done to the community and harm to our children and families by taking away our children,” said Pimicikamak Cree Nation Chief David Monias.
Misipawistik Cree Nation Chief Heidi Cook added, “It doesn’t change anything for the children in the system today, but it will change things for children in the future growing up. It gives us more ability to look after our children and families in the way we are supposed to be looked after.”
The ruling stems from a class action lawsuit led by several Manitoba First Nations and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.
“It is not about money, it’s about doing what is right, about the children’s lives and being able to allow First Nations to take care of their own and bring them up in a good way with our own culture and our own teachings,” said Chief Monias.
The decision gives both the federal and provincial governments 30 days to decide whether to appeal, but leadership hopes that this is a wake-up call to settle this outside the courthouse.
“My hope is that Manitoba and Canada do not appeal this and recognize our children and families need that love and support, and to stop fighting our children in court,” said Grand Chief Wilson.
CityNews reached out to both the federal and provincial governments for comment, but has not heard back at this time.
