Northern Authority- Manitoba

06/16/2026

Finding Their Way Back: Island Lake Youth Reconnect with Culture, Community, and Identity at Old Post

For many youths in care, connection to family, culture, and community can slowly fade over time. Some grow up far from their home communities, while others never have the opportunity to experience the land, traditions, and relationships that shaped generations before them.

Last fall, Island Lake First Nations Family Services helped change that reality through a powerful land-based gathering at Old Post.
Over four days, participants traveled back to their traditional territory to reconnect with the land, meet relatives, learn cultural teachings, and experience a sense of belonging many had never felt before.

According to Maria McDougall, Executive Director of Island Lake First Nations Family Services (ILFNFS), the initiative was created in response to concerns about young people aging out of care without strong family or cultural connections.

“A lot of our youth have grown up disconnected from community,” said McDougall. “Some have never been home before. Some don’t know their relatives. We wanted them to reconnect with who they are and where they come from.”

The gathering brought together a large group of youth from across the Island Lake region, including many who had spent most of their lives in Winnipeg or in foster care.

Nadine Anderson, Pre/Post Majority Services Worker at Island Lake First Nations Family Services (ILFNFS), said many participants initially felt nervous or uncertain about attending because they had little or no connection to their home communities.

“We have a lot of youth who grew up in care and grew up away from home,” said Anderson. “Some of them don’t know their communities, some don’t know their families, and some are trying to reconnect with who they are and where they came from.”

Throughout the trip, participants took part in fishing, swimming, boating, campfire gatherings, and traditional teachings shared by Elders and community members.

Kelvin Harper shared teachings about traditional medicines, survival on the land, and the importance of protecting the lakes and environment for future generations.

For many, the experience became much more than a camping trip. Several participants described feelings connected to community and culture in ways they had never experienced before.

Phoenix River Harper, who visited his home community during the gathering, said the experience gave participants an opportunity to reconnect with one another while spending time on the land.

“My first day was awkward because I didn’t really know many people,” said Harper. “But the second day was great. I got time to connect with more people, build relationships with everyone here, and do things I’ve never done before.”

Hunter Monias reflected on the challenges many young face growing up away from home and the importance of overcoming obstacles.

“There’s a lot of obstacles here and there, but at least we overcome them,” said Monias. “I hope we all end up doing well on our journeys.”

Participants also spoke openly about their hopes for the future and their desire to support others facing similar struggles.
Harper shared that he hopes to become a social worker in the future to help First Nations youth.

“I want to help First Nations kids who had difficult homes like me,” Harper explained. “I want to help change that future not only for me, but for other kids too.”

Sean Ranville said the experience also encouraged participants to step outside their comfort zones and reconnect with culture and community.

“We’re out here actually getting into nature and connecting with the land,” said Ranville. “A lot of us are usually stuck in the city and don’t really get this kind of opportunity.”

Many participants also shared dreams of becoming teachers, social workers, musicians, and community leaders who hope to support other First Nations youth facing similar challenges.

Verla Umpherville, Pre/Post Majority Unit Supervisor at Island Lake First Nations Family Services (ILFNFS), said many participants returned home with a stronger sense of identity, belonging, and purpose.

“They realized they belonged to something bigger — to family, community, and their people,” said Umpherville. “A lot of them came back more confident and more connected.”

Ron Monias, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Northern Authority, said initiatives like the Old Post gathering demonstrate the importance of culturally grounded approaches in supporting youth and families.

“Land-based and cultural programs create opportunities for youth to reconnect with identity, community, and belonging,” said Monias. “These experiences can have a lasting impact on healing, confidence, and future growth.”

Island Lake First Nations Family Services hopes to continue the Old Post gathering annually and expand opportunities for youth to reconnect with culture, land, and community.

For many participants, the journey represented more than a trip.
It represented a return home.

06/11/2026

LIVE NOW from the Keeshkeemaquah Conference Gaming Centre in Long Plain First Nation!

The Northern Authority is providing an update at the MKO Chiefs Assembly 2026, themed "Our Lands. Our Economies. Our Prosperity."

We are honoured to join First Nations leaders, Chiefs, Elders, and community representatives as we discuss priorities, opportunities, and the future of our Nations. Together, we continue working to strengthen services, support families, and advance the well-being of First Nations children and communities across Northern Manitoba.

05/28/2026

We're Hiring: Policy Analyst

The First Nations of Northern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority is seeking a "Policy Analyst" to join our team in Winnipeg.

If you have strong research, analytical, and policy development skills and are passionate about supporting First Nations children, youth, and families, we encourage you to apply.

Full job details and application information available on our website.

Join us and help make a difference in the lives of First Nations families and communities.

The First Nations of Northern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority, the Northern Authority employment and career opportunities

05/21/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2026

Northern Authority Supports Manitoba Court Decision and Calls for Immediate Action to Restore First Nations Authority Over Child Welfare

Headingley, Manitoba-- The Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of The First Nations of Northern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority welcome and fully support the recent decision of the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench regarding First Nations child welfare in Manitoba.

Northern Authority recognizes the Court’s findings that Canada and Manitoba violated the constitutionally protected rights of First Nations children, youth, families, and communities through the funding, regulation, administration, and control of Manitoba’s child welfare system.

The Court’s findings confirm what First Nations leadership, agencies, Elders, families, and communities have been saying for many years, that First Nations children and families have been subjected to harmful systems and practices that failed to respect First Nations jurisdiction, natural laws, cultural values, traditions, identities, languages, and inherent rights.

Northern Authority believes the Court’s findings clearly demonstrate that Manitoba and Canada imposed systems and laws that disrupted First Nations families, weakened cultural relationships, separated children from their Nations and communities, and subjected many First Nations children, youth, and families to ongoing harm and abuse within the child welfare system.

Northern Authority further recognizes that for many years Manitoba maintained control over First Nations child welfare systems while failing to fully respect the original intent and principles of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry–Child Welfare Initiative (AJI-CWI). The intent of AJI-CWI was partnership, collaboration, shared decision-making, and the restoration of First Nations authority over child and family services, not unilateral decision-making by Manitoba.

Northern Authority is deeply concerned that Manitoba’s Minister of Families continues to make decisions affecting First Nations children, youth, families, authorities, and agencies without fully respecting the spirit, intent, and principles of AJI-CWI, including meaningful partnership and collaboration with First Nations leadership, authorities, agencies, Standing Committees, Leadership Councils, and communities. Of particular concern is the unilateral development of legislative amendments directly affecting First Nations peoples, which disregards both the mandatory constitutional obligations and the explicit recommendations to consult with First Nations whose rights are protected under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

Northern Authority further recognizes that despite the devolution of child and family services in Manitoba, authorities and agencies have continued operating under provincial legislation, standards, directives, policies, and funding frameworks imposed and regulated under Manitoba law. Northern Authority believes this has limited the ability of First Nations leadership, authorities, and agencies to fully exercise their own jurisdiction and care for children according to First Nations laws, values, traditions, and community priorities.

Northern Authority also raises serious concerns regarding Manitoba’s failure to fully uphold and implement the principles of the Authority Determination Protocol (ADP), as well as the broader commitments and objectives established through AJI-CWI.

Northern Authority supports the full and meaningful implementation of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, SC 2019, c. 24, including the recognition and implementation of First Nations jurisdiction and the development of First Nations child and family laws rooted in First Nations cultures, traditions, values, languages, and natural laws.

Northern Authority believes First Nations children and youth should have the opportunity to safely do things within their own First Nations families, communities, and Nations with access to culturally appropriate programs, services, and supports that strengthen identity, belonging, healing, language, long-term wellbeing, and confidence within their communities of origin.

Northern Authority calls upon Manitoba’s Minister of Families to immediately establish a collaborative working group directly focused on the wellbeing and future of First Nations children, youth, and families, including strengthening the existing Standing Committee and revitalizing the currently inactive Leadership Council.

Northern Authority also calls upon Manitoba and the Minister of Families to begin immediate discussions and actions focused on bringing First Nations children home to their families, communities, and Nations, and reducing the continued overreliance on foster homes and systems that separate First Nations children from their identities, communities, cultures, and families.

Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
First Nations of Northern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority
200-300 Alpine Way
Headingley, Manitoba, Canada, R4H 0E1
Phone: 204-942-1842
Email: [email protected]

05/11/2026

The First Nations of Northern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority (Northern Authority) is currently seeking a highly skilled and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our leadership team.

This senior leadership role will provide strategic financial direction, oversee financial operations, support the Northern Authority’s mission of strengthening child and family services, financial accountability, and organizational excellence across the communities and agencies we serve.

We are looking for an experienced financial leader with strong knowledge in financial management, budgeting, reporting, and organizational leadership. CPA designation required.

Location: Winnipeg (Headingley), Manitoba
Application Deadline: June 1, 2026

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume to: [email protected]

Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of First Nations children, families, and communities.

The First Nations of Northern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority, the Northern Authority employment and career opportunities

04/29/2026

Strengthening prevention starts with investing in our frontline staff.

Northern Authority recently held a one-day training session in Norway House Cree Nation focused on Structured Decision Making (SDM) and Special Rates.

This training helps strengthen frontline practice, support prevention programs, and keep children safely within their homes and communities.

As CEO Ron Monias shared, “When workers have the right tools, training, and support, they can intervene earlier, reduce risk, and work more effectively with families.”

Watch the video highlights below.

04/16/2026

Northern Authority Delivers Training in Norway House to Strengthen Frontline Practice

The First Nations of Northern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority (Northern Authority) delivered a one-day training session on April 7 in Norway House Cree Nation, focused on Structured Decision Making (SDM) and Special Rates. The session is part of the Northern Authority’s ongoing capacity building initiatives aimed at strengthening frontline service delivery across northern communities.

Bringing training directly into communities remains a key priority for the Northern Authority, ensuring staff can build skills in environments that reflect the realities of the families they serve.

The Norway House session brought together Child and Family Services (CFS) staff to enhance their understanding of assessment tools and policy frameworks that guide daily decision-making.

Janine Farmer, an intake worker with Kinosao Sipi Minisowin Agency (KSMA), described the training as a valuable experience that strengthened her approach to assessments. “I feel like I can do it better now that I learned,” she said. “Before, I was mostly focusing on the parents and the children. Now I feel like I can look at the whole family and understand what’s happening in the home.”

Farmer also emphasized the importance of delivering training in community settings. “I prefer in the community, because this is our home.”

Similarly, Kurt Queskekapow, an intake worker from Norway House Cree Nation, highlighted how the session deepened his understanding of assessments and how they are used to support families. “The training today was very informative. It helps workers be more prepared when completing assessments,” he said. “I’ll be doing my assessments differently and more efficiently now.”

Queskekapow noted that strengthening assessment skills plays a direct role in prevention. “With this type of training, it helps prevent families and children from getting involved with CFS by connecting them to the right supports early, like parenting programs and family services, so we can work with families instead of removing children from the home.

Participants also pointed to the value of interactive learning approaches, including scenario-based exercises, which helped bring real-life situations into the training environment and encouraged collaboration among staff.

From a leadership perspective, KSMA Executive Director Rhonda Apetagon underscored the importance of rebuilding foundational training opportunities for frontline workers. “It’s been a few years since core training was discontinued. What the Northern Authority is doing now is helping to re-establish those essential skills so staff have the tools they need to ensure best practices and compliance,” she said.

Apetagon also emphasized the effectiveness of providing training opportunities in the community. “Training in community gives staff more opportunities to participate, connect, and learn together.”
She added that these shared learning experiences strengthen teamwork across agencies and contribute to better outcomes for families.

The Northern Authority continues to expand its training initiatives as part of a broader strategy to build capacity across the north. By delivering practical, community-based learning opportunities, the Authority is supporting frontline workers to make informed decisions and strengthen prevention-focused services.

Ron Monias, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Authority, emphasized the long-term impact of this work: “Strengthening prevention starts with investing in our frontline staff. When workers have the right tools, training, and support, they can intervene earlier, reduce risk, and work more effectively with families, helping keep children safe within their own homes and communities.”

Through initiatives like the Norway House training, the Northern Authority remains committed to empowering agencies, strengthening local capacity, and advancing culturally grounded approaches to child and family services across northern Manitoba.

03/27/2026

Strengthening Capacity. Supporting Communities.

From March 10–12, the Northern Authority brought together more than 60 participants from agencies across Northern Manitoba for a high-demand, three-day training focused on strengthening service delivery.

Participants engaged in key areas such as Critical Incident Reporting (CIR), Structured Decision Making (SDM), and case management practices, building practical skills that can be applied in their day-to-day work.

On the final day, CEO Ron Monias joined the session, connecting directly with participants, listening to their experiences, and taking time to hear their feedback.

This training responded directly to the needs identified by agencies and reflects the Northern Authority’s ongoing commitment to supporting strong, consistent, and culturally grounded services for children, youth, and families.

Watch highlights from the training.

03/23/2026

Condolences on the Passing of Amanda Lathlin

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Amanda Lathlin.

Amanda was a trailblazer and a strong voice for her people and for northern Manitoba. As the first First Nations woman elected to the Manitoba Legislative Assembly, she broke barriers and created space for future generations of First Nations women in leadership. She carried her responsibilities with courage, integrity, and a deep commitment to her community.

Throughout her life and career, Amanda remained grounded in her values and her connection to the people she served. Her leadership and advocacy made a meaningful and lasting impact, and her legacy will continue to inspire many.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of the First Nations of Northern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority, I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, her community, and the many people and communities she served.

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Ron Monias
Chief Executive Officer
First Nations of Northern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority

03/19/2026

Northern Authority Delivers High-Demand Training to Strengthen Agency Capacity

The First Nations of Northern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority (Northern Authority) delivered a three-day training session from March 10 to 12, 2026, bringing together more than 60 participants from agencies across Northern Manitoba.

The training was developed in direct response to priority learning needs identified by agencies over the past year. Participants engaged in six key areas critical to service delivery: Critical Incident Reporting (CIR), Structured Decision Making (SDM), new agreements, case management in transitional planning, special rate and child assessment formats, and core case management practices.

The sessions were designed to provide a strong foundation while introducing key concepts in each area. Participants were also given access to the Northern Authority’s learning portal, where more comprehensive and in-depth training resources are available to support continued learning.

Ron Monias, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Authority, met with participants during the training to hear feedback and engage in open discussion.

“This training is about building consistency in how we do our work and making sure staff have the tools they need to make informed decisions,” said Monias. “When staff feel confident in their roles, it directly strengthens the services we provide to children, youth, and families.”

Participants expressed strong appreciation for the training, noting that the content was practical and immediately applicable to their day-to-day responsibilities. Many also highlighted the value of having multiple high-priority topics delivered in one coordinated session.

“We are responding to what our agencies are asking for,” Monias added. “The level of participation and engagement shows how important this work is, and we will continue to expand these opportunities moving forward.”

Participants also emphasized the need for ongoing training and continued access to learning opportunities.

The Northern Authority remains committed to providing relevant and accessible professional development that strengthens agency capacity and supports improved outcomes for First Nations children and families.