Chief and Council and Membership Report for period July 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025 is now available for download at https://irp.cdn-website.com/8a5c0cb0/files/uploaded/ChiefandCouncil_Report_Jul-Sept25_web.pdf

Schedule is subject to change.

Schedule is subject to change.

Schedule is subject to change.

Schedule is subject to change.

Schedule is subject to change.

Schedule is subject to change.

Schedule is subject to change.

October 6, 2025 Open Letter to Peguis First Nation Members Peguis Child and Family Services – Service Performance Summary Dear Members, Peguis Child and Family Services, along with the Board of Directors, wish to thank and offer appreciation to the Peguis Members for allowing us to be a part of their family wellness journeys. As part of this appreciation, we note that families are stepping up, coming forward and taking their rightful place in raising their children. The following information is a reflection of the positive role and uptake of services by Peguis Membership as the Agency works on fulfilling the operationalization and implementation of the Honouring our Children, Families and Nation Act (the “Act”). Moreover, by asserting our inherent rights, we are actionizing our jurisdiction as an act of decolonization. We have removed ourselves from colonial legislation such as the Manitoba Child and Family Services Act where much harm to Indigenous children has occurred. As a matter of fact, by asserting our self-determination in the area of child welfare, we have positively influenced provincial legislation1 since the Legislature had to respond to the Act and has amended several pieces of provincial laws as a result. Peguis Child and Family Services are meeting all reporting requirements to Peguis First Nation and Membership, Canada and Manitoba. The Honouring Our Children, Families and Nation Act is in effect, and working amazingly for Peguis Members. Below are some highlights of these effects: • Since Fiscal Year 2021/2022 to Fiscal Year ending on March 31, 2025 Audited Financial Statements are posted on the Agency’s website, including annual reports and reports to Chief and Council and Membership. • The Agency successfully submitted and received an additional 16.2M in capital funding in April 2023 to build and develop resources to provide culturally appropriate child and family services. The total funding to date for capital is approximately 31.3M. • Since the Honouring Our Children, Families and Nation Act (the “Act”) came into force on January 21, 2022, the number of children coming into care has decreased by 80%, over a 4-year period 2021-2025. • As of October 5, 2025, there are 222 children in care. 99% of children in care who reside in Peguis First Nation are cared for by immediate and extended family members. 97% of children in care who reside outside of the community are cared for by immediate and extended family members. • As of October 5, 2025, the Agency employs 138 child and family service workers that specifically focus on delivery of child and family services, as per the Act. The caseload ratio has been significantly reduced to ensure comprehensive child and family services for children, youth and families. An average of 6 child and family service workers may engage in direct service delivery with a child and the child’s family. • This does not include other forms of face to face interactions such internal prevention services provided by Reclaiming Our Ways Program, Debinan Program, Grandparent Mentorship Program, culturally appropriate services (Traditional Camps, Elder Services etc.), community gatherings and/or contact with other service providers (Peguis Jordan’s Principle, Peguis Central School/other community schools) that form the safety net for children, youth and families. • Since January 31, 2022, to June 30, 2025 - Customary Care Agreements resulted in 209 children prevented from coming into care. Customary Care Agreements are decisions made and led by the family. • From April 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025 - 16 children are no longer in the care and control of the Agency and are supported financially through supported subsidized guardianships until they reach 18 years of age – these caregivers are now the legal guardians of the children. • From July 31, 2024, to June 30, 2025: 11 children are no longer in the care and control of the Agency and are supported financially through Customary Acceptance (traditional adoption) until they reach 18 years of age – the caregivers of these children are now the legal guardians through the Acceptance Commission process. This process is led by Elders and decisions are made in the best interests of the child. • Through the Extension of Service Agreement process and pursuant to Section 12 of the Act, services are provided to youth between the ages of 18 up to their 26th birthday. Upon reaching the age of majority at 18, youth may enter into a goal-driven agreement known as an “Extension of Service Agreement.” The agreement acts as a guide for the support to learn to live independently. Since the first year of implementation of the Peguis Act, the number of Extension of Service Agreements has increased by 109%. Reporting on June 30, 2025, 135 youth have entered into a voluntary service agreement. • Since the first year of implementation of Honouring Our Children, Families and Nation Act, the annual participant rate in prevention services has increased by 150%. Compared to annual participation rates prior to the implementation of the Peguis Act. The participation rate in prevention services has increased by nearly 952%, reporting on March 31, 2025, members accessed prevention services through 26,635 points of service. A positive uptake of prevention services. • By establishing trust and providing a safe and nurturing environment through the provision of child and family services, there has been a steady growth in participation for prevention services and culturally appropriate services. 6,436 children, youth and families accessed culturally appropriate services, reported on March 31, 2025. • The combined participation for prevention and culturally appropriate services in 2024- 2025 was 33,071 points of service. • Prior to the implementation of the Act, the average number of emergency after hours requests between 2014-2021 was 837 per year. The average number of emergency after hours requests, increased after the Act came into force, with an average of 2,655 requests per year between 2021-2025. This is an overall increase of 217% in annual emergency after hours requests responded to by the Agency. • Reporting over a 3-month period from April 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025, 46% of membership intakes voluntarily requested support services from the Intake and After Hours Program and there were 1,645 in person visits conducted. • The impacts of the Act since it came into force has progressively shifted Peguis First Nation members experience with child and family services. The Agency is responsive and continues to provide support and services that empower children, youth and families. • The overall culturally delivery of child and family services under the Act, demonstrates how reconciliation with children, youth, families, and community members that participate in services and/or Agency gatherings is actionized. The data confirms the significant decrease in new admissions of children in care, the dramatic increase in prevention services, and the implementation of Alternatives to the Court Process, such as Customary Care Agreements, Supported Subsidized Guardianships, and Customary Acceptance. • The above, and more, is a direct result of the operationalization of the Act. Under the Act, service delivery and enhanced prevention models that are rooted in cultural values. The Agency invests in children, youth, and families through cultural services, traditional ways of knowing, and upholding the family’s inherent decision-making rights and provides the necessary supports when facing challenges. • In fiscal year 2024/2025 there was 21 complaints made to the Agency and all complaints were resolved. • There were zero critical incidents for fiscal year 2024/2025. Members are encouraged to reach out with any questions or concerns, please call: Kirk Mann, Communication Director 204-645-2049.