The Chiefs of Ontario are seeking submissions for a request for proposals to create an updated Second Edition of the 2006 Report by Judith Rae, “The 1965 Agreement: Comparison & Review.”

The new report should examine and evaluate the four program areas currently covered by the 1965 IWA, evaluate and compare how the other regions pay for each of these distinct social service programs (and the funding amount at the aggregate level), and through what mechanism the regions pay for each of these distinct social programs. In evaluating and comparing, the consultant should provide strategic priorities, identify structural drivers and differences, and generate recommendations to create social impact outcomes for First Nations in Ontario. Additionally, the historical context must be included, along with a comparative analysis between First Nations in Ontario with mainstream Ontario, and First Nations in Ontario with First Nations in other provinces. The new report should present contemporary information and provide a pathway for long term reform of the 1965 IWA for Ontario First Nations.

Please note that the deadline to submit is December 18, 2025, AT 5:00PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Proposals must clearly demonstrate the consultant’s capacity to fulfill all of the responsibilities and key objectives as outlined in this Request for Proposals (“RFP”). This includes proven experience in:

• Knowledge of and experience related to social impact investing or a combined financial, policy, and legal research expertise, including demonstrated ability to establish productive relationships with various First Nation data stakeholders, experts, and leadership;
• Knowledge of and demonstrated understanding of working with First Nation communities, First Nation culture, with a preference for knowledge in the concept and effects of ‘remoteness’;
• Knowledge of and missions for improving the wellbeing of First Nations children and youth, including previous experience in working on First Nation child and youth outcomes informed by data and through generating data informed evidence to drive improved wellbeing for First Nations children, youth, and families;
• Maintaining and managing high levels of confidential communication;
• Analyzing and interpreting data with a proficiency for both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and Indigenous methodologies; and
• Producing high-quality analytical reports (including recommendations) to inform program/project monitoring and evaluation.

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

In 1965, Ontario and Canada signed the Memorandum of Agreement Respecting Welfare Services for Indians, commonly known as the Indian Welfare Agreement (IWA) or the 1965 Agreement. Today, it enables federal cost-sharing with Ontario for the delivery of four programs to First Nations: social assistance (Ontario Works), child and family services, childcare, and homemaking.

When it was established originally, First Nations were not involved in, consulted on, or signatories to the Agreement. The Agreement does not outline details about program policies or operations. Chronic underfunding and inflexibility have contributed to inequities in service delivery. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) ruled in 2016 that the 1965 IWA contributes to discrimination in Child and Family Services. First Nations in Ontario have long called for reform of the 1965 IWA, supported by over a dozen Chiefs-in-Assembly resolutions.

Following the rejection of a similar national final agreement, COO, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), and Canada signed the Final Agreement on Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program in Ontario (OFA) in February 2025. The OFA includes a commitment from the federal government to pursue reform of the 1965 Agreement. COO, NAN, and Canada also concluded a trilateral agreement to work together to ensure the long-term reform of the 1965 Indian Welfare Agreement.

Download the full RFP and submission details here.