Caring Society’s November 2025 CHRT Update

November 2025

Consultation Workplan

1. Collaboration with AFN and NCCC:

The parties are combining their expertise and resources to fulfill the 2025 CHRT 80 workplan requirements. The Caring Society warmly welcomes the recent appointment of Assembly of First Nations of Québec and Labrador Regional Chief Verreault-Paul as the AFN portfolio holder and looks forward to building on our collaboration.

2. Capacity Funding:

Canada advised in its November 4, 2025 update that it will not fund the Caring Society’s or AFN’s activities in bringing forward the plan required under 2025 CHRT 80. The Caring Society does not agree with Canada’s position, as it views these activities as eligible under the Consultation Protocol signed by the parties on March 2, 2018. The Caring Society will include submissions on this matter with its submissions in support of its plan.

3. Regional Engagements:

First Nations and experts nationwide have submitted feedback using the engagement guide. The care, wisdom and dedication shown by First Nations leaders, Elders, youth and specialists—despite no funding or support from Canada—has been truly remarkable. Their extraordinary efforts demonstrate the love they have for their children and that national engagements are possible and necessary on vital matters relating to justice and reconciliation.

Consistent with the direction of First Nations Leadership, these regional engagements have included First Nations that are not members of the Assembly of First Nations.

4. Caring Society Engagement with Interested Party Applicants:

On October 24, 2025, the Caring Society hosted a session with legal counsel and clients from the interested party applicants to provide an update on the regional consultations.

5. Official Languages and Accessibility:

Engagement materials were provided in both English and French, and offered in several formats (online, fillable PDF, fillable Word) to accommodate diverse internet access among First Nations. French-speaking First Nations have also contributed submissions.

6. Distribution of Engagement Materials:

The National Children’s Chiefs Commission (Leadership and Technicians) and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society distributed materials via QR codes, handouts, presentations, and briefing notes.

7. Engagement Support Tools:

The Caring Society joined a National Children’s Chiefs Commission webinar on October 24, 2025, answering questions about the engagement materials. Over 200 people attended, with simultaneous translation available. Short videos were prepared to help clarify specific themes and suggest relevant resources.

8. National Engagement Results Roll Up and Analysis:

In partnership with the National Children’s Chiefs Commission, the Caring Society is working with a research scholar from a major university to design and implement a data analysis methodology that reflects best practices and achieves the aims set out in 2025 CHRT 80. This project will be jointly overseen by First Nations representatives, including from the NCCC and Caring Society, with relevant research expertise.

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