An agreement between the Minister of Indigenous Services and Saskatoon Tribal Council was signed on Wednesday to reform the resources for First Nations families and kids.

The agreement means an investment of $269 million in funding over seven years to provide stable, predictable, and flexible funding. The funding will be used and be guided by the priorities of the Saskatoon Tribal Council First Nations as embodied in the Agreement.

The investment aim to help address pressures facing families before they reach crisis.

Tribal Chief Mark Arcand, on behalf of Saskatoon Tribal Council, said, “We believe healthy, thriving communities begin with supporting families and ensuring children grow up connected to their First Nations culture. With today’s agreement, we are changing systems and creating a foundation for a better quality of life for all our people.”

The historic regional agreement is the first in Canada outside of Ontario, and aims for long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program. The agreement is called Mamowohkamatowin, which means “working together” in Cree.

The Kinistin Saulteaux Nation, Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, One Arrow First Nation, Yellow Quill First Nation, Mistawasis Nehiyawak First Nation, Muskoday First Nation, and Whitecap Dakota Nation all signed the agreement.