Historic Agreement Between The Link and Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation to Repatriate Services

April 17, 2025

Historic Agreement Between The Link and Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation to Repatriate Services

Winnipeg, MB and Treaty 1 Territory – In a groundbreaking move toward reconciliation, self-determination and culturally grounded care, The Link: Youth and Family Supports and Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation are proud to announce a memorandum of understanding to repatriate key services and buildings to serve all Manitobans.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in the Nation’s ongoing efforts to reclaim jurisdiction and oversight of child and family services, ensuring that children, youth and families receive care that is rooted in culture, values and traditions.

“This is a pivotal moment for our Nation,” said Chief Gordon Bluesky of Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation. “Today’s announcement is a testament of our commitment to support children and youth across Manitoba. We are entering a new era of youth and family services, one where our First Nations communities take the lead.”

The repatriation will see a transition of governance from The Link to Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation. The agreement emphasizes collaboration, capacity building and a long-term commitment to supporting First Nations-led solutions.

“This landmark agreement is not just about changing how services are delivered—it’s about restoring what was taken,” said The Link Board Chair Candace Olson “We are honored to walk alongside Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation in this journey and fully support their vision for sovereignty in service delivery. It’s a model we hope other communities will be empowered to follow.”

The agreement includes a phased approach to ensure a smooth and effective transition, including training, infrastructure support and shared planning processes. The agreement announced today marks the beginning of a 120-day process coordinated by a transitional team. Both parties have emphasized the importance of youth voice, cultural safety and trauma-informed care throughout the process.

As Canada continues to grapple with the legacies of colonial systems, this partnership is a tangible step forward—a return to community-centered care, and a future where First Nations children grow up connected to their families, languages and lands.

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Backgrounder

About The Link:
The Link is a Manitoba-based organization that provides youth and family services, with a strong focus on safety, belonging and supporting youth in finding their voice and path forward.
https://thelinkmb.ca/

About Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation:
Brokenhead Ojibway Nation is a First Nations community committed to preserving its culture and traditions while embracing opportunity.
https://brokenheadojibwaynation.ca/

Media Contact:
Kristen Hooper
Communication Manager
(431) 374-0564
kristen.hooper@thelinkmb.ca

Here is a PDF of the release.

Photo:

BACK: Grand Chief Kyra Wilson, Councillor Allen Hocaluk, Councillor Wendell Sinclair, Councillor Christopher Kent, Councillor Winston Desjarlais, The Link’s Chief Executive Officer Kerri Irvin-Ross, The Link’s Associate Chief Executive Officer Victoria Fisher

FRONT: The Link’s Board Chair Candace Olson, Chief Gordon Bluesky, Honourable Minister Nahanni Fontaine