The Department of Social Development continues to train its child welfare staff on the recent federal legislation: An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, along with the Province’s role and responsibility in reducing the number of Indigenous children in care. The Government of New Brunswick will remain involved in Coordination Agreement discussions pursuant to s. 20(2) of the Act.

In 2022, New Brunswick, as Chair of the Support Committee of the Ministers Responsible for Social Services, facilitated a presentation by Dr. Cindy Blackstock to Deputy Ministers. The focus of the presentation was on child welfare and relevant Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders.

In 2023, a new learning module was added to Social Development’s Learning Management System. This module focuses on An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children, youth, and families. Its purpose is to familiarize all employees with the federal statutory requirements related to these communities.

The provincial government has also introduced new stand-alone child welfare legislation that recognizes the importance of the child or youth’s connection to their family, culture, language, religion, faith or spiritual beliefs and community, especially for Indigenous children and youth.

Social Development held engagement sessions with New Brunswick First Nations Child and Family Services agencies to inform the regulation-making process under the New Brunswick Child and Youth Well-Being Act.

In January 2024, the New Brunswick Child and Youth Well-Being Act came into force, which considers cultural continuity with respect to Indigenous traditions, heritage, and language in determining the best interests of children and youth. Cultural connection plans are required for Indigenous children and youth who are adopted outside their family or community, and priority of placement follows that of the federal legislation (An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children, youth, and families).

The Department of Social Development continues to support family/kinship as the first option for children/youth and the provincial legislation provides for continued reassessment to determine if placement with family is possible, which can be extended beyond 24 months where appropriate based on cultural considerations. A plan for the child or youth is established that does not include placing the child or youth under care.

Social Development staff have received training on a kinship assessment tool and additional training to strengthen support of children and families where kinship is an option.

Notice of significant measures are required for safe and supportive care under the Child and Youth Social Services Regulation of the Child and Youth Well-Being Act and in accordance with An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families. Additionally, each staff member of an operator of a community-based care resource or place of safe and supportive care receives a manual with information on the rights and obligations under that legislation.

A training course entitled Child and Youth Wellbeing Act Introduction is available to all Social Development staff. This module provides an overview of the Act and its regulations, and highlights the provisions related to collaboration and working with Indigenous children, youth, and families.

Social Development has also introduced Professional Care Homes to provide full-time care to children with complex needs who are under the care of the Department of Social Development. The development of professional care homes aims to fill gaps that have been identified and strengthen child well-being. In a professional care home, children live with a family that has the knowledge and experience to understand the child’s complex needs. The family home is culturally appropriate for the child and clinical, traditional and community supports are an integral part of meeting the child’s complex needs.

Neglect learning labs have been provided which consider the impact of residential schools and intergenerational trauma on parenting in the context of child protection investigations and ongoing services, with consideration of different approaches to cultural child-rearing practices.

The Department of Social Development focuses on family engagement strategies aligning with cultural connections and ensuring the voice of families. Indigenous and non-Indigenous social workers were brought together for engagement sessions with an internationally renowned social worker who is an expert in the area of family group conferencing and collaborative practices.

To support and assist in culturally appropriate interventions and responses, the Department of Social Development is creating a community of practice framework. This practice is intended to support earlier intervention to reduce harm. Along with that, the department has developed a clinical framework to assist in appropriate interventions, keeping decision-making closer to families.

The Department of Social Development participates in a Federal/Provincial-Territorial forum that is working on a strategy to standardize proper reporting involving Indigenous children in care.

Social Development supported research related to the 2022 report titled “Review of Data and Process Considerations for Compensation Under 2019 CHRT 39”, facilitating the involvement of Directors of First Nations Child and Family Services in New Brunswick.

The Province provides a list of services being offered throughout New Brunswick, which assists the Jordan’s Principle Coordinators.

The Child and Youth Well-Being Act affirms under s. 3.1 that an inter-jurisdictional dispute shall not prevent the timely provision of social services to Indigenous children and youth.

In the Francophone education sector, there is an online module for diversity for Early Learning and Child Care Educators and Intervenors in which history, culture, and language in respect of First Nations are included.

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development continues to build partnerships with First Nations community schools to provide a venue for on-going collaboration and a successful school experience for students transitioning to provincial schools, and to engage, inform and support First Nations community schools in the areas of provincial curriculum, assessment, professional learning, education support services, and early childhood education.

Early Childhood Development

Educational Services (Francophone)

In the Francophone sector, a new professional development program was introduced for early childhood educators focusing on inclusion and diversity within the context of early childhood education. The module incorporates elements of First Nations culture and language and provides pedagogical resources to support educators in their practice.

The Francophone sector is updating its French-language curriculum for early learning and childcare centres to include more content that honors First Nations culture, language, traditions, and history. This revision is being done in collaboration with First Nations to ensure accuracy and proper terminology.

An Early Learning Specialist developed and led sessions on Indigenous curriculum for local and post-secondary programs to support integrating Wabanaki culture and learning into educational environments.

Educational Services (Anglophone)

In the Anglophone sector, the L’Nu Tell Me a Story program was initiated to honour and commemorate Indigenous culture. Through working in collaboration with an Indigenous Elder, educators, children and their families learn about music, songs, food, and items of cultural significance to the Wabanaki people.

The Early Learning and Development Branch is enhancing its internal capacity through experiential learning on Wabanaki history and experiences. The Branch has begun developing an Early Learning Wabanaki resource to help educators feel empowered to share knowledge on First Nations culture, history and language in New Brunswick.

Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour (PETL) supports institutions in addressing this recommendation through initiative funding and the FutureNB/Future Wabanaki Program to advance language programming at St. Thomas University and the University of New Brunswick.

PETL promotes Indigenous language awareness by collaborating with the New Brunswick Public Library Service to grant New Brunswick citizens free access to published materials in Mi’gmaq and Wolastoqey.

Service New Brunswick waives fees for legal change of name requests for residential school survivors and their families. This fee waiver applies to both legal name changes and new birth certificates and is set to be in effect for five years (from June 2022 to June 2027).

Regional Health Authorities work with First Nations communities to offer community-based services. The types of services vary.

Regional Health Authorities have Indigenous Patient Navigators (IPN) to support Indigenous patients and their families. The IPNs help ensure culturally safe and trauma-informed care, guide patients through the health system, and foster cultural awareness among hospital staff.

NB Health Link is a new primary care service that provides care for patients who are waiting for a primary care provider. Medavie is operationalizing this service and have incorporated cultural training with their staff to ensure care is culturally appropriate for Indigenous peoples.

The New Brunswick Cancer Network, operating within the Department of Health, actively participates in the Kmawuhsahtipon – Togi pematioog – Moving Forward Side-by-Side (KTMF) initiative. This multi-year collaborative effort, funded by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and administered through Neqotkuk (Tobique) First Nation, aims to create a comprehensive plan for Indigenous peoples in New Brunswick (whether living in or outside of a First Nation community). The plan focuses on enhancing cancer experiences and outcomes across the entire cancer journey, including prevention and early diagnosis.

The Government is committed to supporting First Nations healthcare leaders in the design and implementation of First Nations Health Transformation (Sankewitahasuwakon). The Department of Health maintains regular contact with the Sankewitahasuwakon technical team to help shape the path forward.

The Government and First Nations leaders established a bilateral forum to advance culturally safe, equitable healthcare for Indigenous people in New Brunswick.

New Brunswick Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Centre of Excellence developed and launched a unique model called “Dreamcatcher” to ensure a culturally appropriate delivery of services to First Nations clients and families.

The Oeliangitasoltigo Strategic Planning Mental Wellness Team is actively serving three First Nations communities.

Through the Integrated Service Delivery (ISD) framework, two First Nations Coordinators identify systemic barriers and seek solutions, and support First Nations youth with advocacy, participation in community treatment planning and system navigation. A protocol has been collaboratively developed to guide service providers in the process of ensuring culturally appropriate services through ceremony and engaging Elders.

The departments of Health and Education and Early Childhood Development are working with each First Nation community to support the funding, planning and implementation of community-led multidisciplinary teams in support of youth addictions and mental health services. This includes the development of a specialized care model or framework that is culturally responsive to each community’s needs.

Regional Health Authorities offer training to promote understanding of Indigenous culture, support the recruitment and retention of Indigenous individuals, and increase cultural safety.

Cultural Safe Spaces are available in three locations within Zone 5 (Restigouche Region). Vitalité Health Network, in partnership with Indigenous Elders from several First Nations communities, is in the elementary stages of implementing other Cultural Safe Spaces in Zone 1B (Moncton Region).

A sweat lodge has been integrated into the Hope and Harmony Centre’s services to bring together Indigenous traditional knowledge, medicines and ceremonies along with knowledge of modern medicine.

Horizon Health Network’s Regional Manager of Indigenous Heath is tasked with incorporating traditional healing practices and knowledge into care, among other initiatives.

Smudging ceremonies are available across Horizon when requested. Sacred medicines (sage, cedar and sweetgrass) are available for patient use in several facilities. Vitalité is also implementing a plan to have smudging ceremonies available at some of its facilities.

Horizon Health Network has finalized policy work on appropriate handling and care of the placenta after birth in accordance with Indigenous health practices. Two of Horizon’s Indigenous Patient Navigators are trained as Indigenous doulas serving patients and families in the birthing process.

An Indigenous sacred space will open at the Moncton Hospital in partnership with Elsipogtog First Nation. A Healing Garden will open in the summer of 2025 at Upper River Valley Hospital and another on the patio at Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital.

Health authorities are taking steps to educate their employees on residential and day schools and to increase employees’ cultural competencies. For example, a project called "Braiding First Nations' Culture" is intended to enhance the cultural competencies of Vitalité’s employees and builds ties with First Nations communities across the province. A learning plan has been developed allowing employees to acquire skills, knowledge, and openness toward improving cultural competencies.

Information on activities related to this Call to Action has not yet been reported.

The Government of New Brunswick (GNB) has a working group regarding Indigenous programs and policy, to address gaps and areas of concern (such as overrepresentation).

GNB provides a Probation Officer and Victim Services Coordinator to support the Elsipogtog Healing to Wellness Court. The court incorporates Indigenous practices and culture in addressing the root causes of crime, such as mental health and addictions. Eligible participants take responsibility for their actions and comply with a treatment program as ordered by the court.

The Department of Justice and Public Safety provided a letter of support for the John Howard Society’s Intercultural Youth Initiative, an evidence-based program that aims to address risk factors to offending among at-risk youth through culturally aware and proactive supports like mentoring, experiential learning, social engagement, and personal skills development. The program will help empower youth to build on competencies and life skills to prevent problematic behaviours such as substance abuse, bullying, violence, and poor school attendance. The program is available to Indigenous youth served by the department and enrolment costs are covered by Justice and Public Safety.

The Changing Directions model for chronic repeat offenders includes a large component of Indigenous community engagement and culturally appropriate intervention for clients. The program is now operational in four regions: Saint John, St. Stephen, Fredericton, Moncton, and Miramichi.

Under the First Nations Policing Program, New Brunswick has Community Program Officers who provide a non-uniformed, alternative service delivery method by civilian members to implement programs that focus on prevention and reduction of crime through education, intervention and sustainable community engagement.

A Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) template is used for both youth and adults which speaks directly to addressing Gladue factors which are critical in the appropriate sentencing of Indigenous people. It includes a community narrative and a healing plan that is intended to bring a culturally specific element to rehabilitation. Training on Gladue principles has been completed by several units within Justice and Public Safety, including Crown prosecutors, court staff and policing. This training aims to enhance understanding of reconciliation, and the systemic discrimination experienced by Indigenous people in the criminal justice system.

Restorative justice is an option that is designed to connect clients who identify as Indigenous to Indigenous communities. Correctional staff, Probation Officers, and Victim Service Coordinators receive Indigenous cultural and traditional awareness training. Further work is underway to increase training of front-line staff, policy advisors and decision makers. Awakening Cultural Identity and Spirituality (ACIS) is a program for adult provincial offenders. In partnership with the John Howard Society of New Brunswick. ACIS provides an Indigenous Liaison service across the province, linking traditional Elders with offenders requesting culturally distinct services for effective reintegration. The provincial Restorative Justice Program works closely with the programs from Elsipogtog First Nation and the Wolastoqey, striving to support building that capacity whenever possible.

Crown prosecutors or police may refer an individual to an alternative measures program where they feel alternative measures are sufficient to hold a person accountable for the offence committed without undermining the administration of justice or public confidence in the criminal justice system.

The Department of Justice and Public Safety has been engaged with First Nations and Justice Canada concerning funding to establish an Indigenous Court Worker program and Gladue Reports program in New Brunswick. These Indigenous-led programs have been accepting clients since April 2025.

The Indigenous Court Worker Program helps Indigenous people involved in the criminal justice system obtain fair, just, equitable and culturally relevant treatment. A Gladue Report describes an Indigenous person’s background and how they might have been impacted by discrimination, making recommendations on options other than jail that might address the reason an individual is in court.

An Indigenous Senior Consultant has been hired within Justice and Public Safety’s Victim Services, to work with 15 First Nations communities, to help identify the needs of victims of crime and strengthen relationships through participation in community engagement initiatives. This work supports a greater understanding of the Provincial Victim Services and how the communities can better access the program.

Reawakening the Spirit Journals has been implemented as evidence-based programming in community (probation offices) and institutional corrections for Indigenous clients. The publication explores the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the body, mind, emotions and spirit, and supports clients in maintaining recovery.

Restorative justice is an option that is designed to connect clients who identify as Indigenous to Indigenous communities. The Wolastoqey Restorative Justice Program has received funding to extend this program beyond the pilot phase, until March 2025. In 2025, the Wolastoqey Restorative Justice Program hopes to extend services to all six Wolastoqey communities.

Under the First Nations Policing Program, New Brunswick has Community Program Officers who provide a non-uniformed, alternative service delivery method by civilian members to implement programs that focus on prevention and reduction of crime through education, intervention and sustainable community engagement.

The Mi’gmaq Peacekeeping and Community Safety Initiative is designed to promote community safety within eight Mi’gmaq communities in New Brunswick. The project is focused on early intervention and de‐escalation mechanisms with trained Mi’gmaq representatives, as well as improved relationship‐building, and collaborative development of safety processes and protocols with existing policing bodies and community services. This project received $3.6 million from 2024 to 2027 from the Department of Justice and Public Safety.

The Government of New Brunswick provides a Probation Officer and Victim Services Coordinator to support the Elsipogtog Healing to Wellness Court. The court incorporates Indigenous practices and culture in addressing the root causes of crime, such as mental health and addictions. Eligible participants take responsibility for their actions and comply with a treatment program as ordered by the court.

The Department of Justice and Public Safety provided a letter of support for the John Howard Society’s Intercultural Youth Initiative, an evidence-based program that aims to address risk factors to offending among at-risk youth through culturally aware and proactive supports like mentoring, experiential learning, social engagement, and personal skills development. The program will help empower youth to build on competencies and life skills to prevent problematic behaviours such as substance abuse, bullying, violence, and poor school attendance. The program is available to Indigenous youth served by the department and enrolment costs are covered by Justice and Public Safety.

The Changing Directions model for chronic repeat offenders includes a large component of Indigenous community engagement and the development/contracting of culturally appropriate intervention for clients. The program is now operational in four regions: Saint John/St. Stephen, Fredericton, Moncton and Miramichi.

Awakening Cultural Identity and Spirituality (ACIS) is a program for adult provincial offenders. In partnership with the John Howard Society of New Brunswick, ACIS provides an Indigenous liaison service across the province, linking traditional Elders with offenders requesting culturally distinct services for effective reintegration.

The Indigenous Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence (DIPV) Outreach Program operates in 11 First Nations communities in New Brunswick and will continue to be supported by the federal government (April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2026). This program provides specialized services to Indigenous women and their children in First Nations communities. Services are also provided to Indigenous women living outside of a First Nation community in these geographical areas.

The NB-Family Information Liaison Unit (NB-FILU) provides a dedicated liaison function between families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and other agencies and services, including the criminal justice system, social services, and policing. NB-FILU ensures the needs of families are addressed and responded to in a coordinated, focused, accurate, and culturally safe manner. Federal funding has been confirmed for this position until March 2030.

An Indigenous Senior Consultant has been hired within Justice and Public Safety’s Victim Services, supported by federal funding until March 31, 2026. Working with all 15 First Nations communities in New Brunswick, the Indigenous Senior Consultant helps identify the needs of victims of crime and strengthens relationships through participation in community consultation initiatives. This work supports a greater understanding of the Provincial Victim Services and how the communities can better access the program. Justice and Public Safety is hopeful that funding will be extended to continue this work.

Reawakening the Spirit Journals is now implemented as evidence-based programming in community (probation offices) and institutional corrections for use with Indigenous clients. The publication looks at the effects alcohol and other drugs have on the body, mind, emotions and spirit and aims to assist clients to maintain a life of recovery.

The Government of New Brunswick (GNB) is establishing a working group to identify options to improve Indigenous-focused mental health services in correctional institutions. GNB recognizes that programs and services will need to consider specific health needs such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and the distinct cultural, spiritual and community needs of Indigenous offenders in custody.

New Brunswick Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Centre of Excellence developed and launched a unique model called “Dreamcatcher” to ensure a culturally appropriate delivery of services to First Nations clients and families.

The Government of New Brunswick (GNB) is establishing a working group to identify options to improve Indigenous-focused mental health services in correctional institutions. GNB recognizes that programs and services will need to consider specific health needs such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and the distinct cultural, spiritual and community needs of Indigenous offenders in custody.

Correctional Services has cultural, traditional faith-based programs and resources that are made accessible to Indigenous offenders within provincial institutions with access to Elder volunteers to maintain or link the offender to community-based support upon release.

The Indigenous Pathways Project is designed to gauge current demography for Indigenous offenders within provincial institutions and identify gaps in holistic program service delivery.

Awakening Cultural Identity and Spirituality (ACIS) is a program for adult provincial offenders. In partnership with the John Howard Society of New Brunswick, ACIS provides an Indigenous liaison service across the province, linking traditional Elders with offenders requesting culturally distinct services for effective reintegration.

The Family Information Liaison Unit (FILU) provides a dedicated liaison function between families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and other agencies and services, including the criminal justice system, social services, and policing. The FILU ensures the needs of families are addressed and responded to in a coordinated, focused, accurate, and culturally safe manner.

The Indigenous Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence (DIPV) Outreach Program operates in eleven First Nations communities in New Brunswick. This program provides specialized services to Indigenous women and their children in First Nations communities. Services are also provided to Indigenous women living outside of First Nations communities in these geographical areas.

Reawakening the Spirit Journals is now implemented as evidence-based programming in Community (Probation offices) and Institutional Corrections for use with Indigenous clients. The publication looks at the effects alcohol and other drugs have on the body, mind, emotions and spirit and aims to assist clients to maintain a life of recovery.

Restorative justice is an option that is designed to connect clients that identify as Indigenous to Indigenous communities.

The provincial Restorative Justice Program works closely with the programs from Elsipogtog First Nation and the Wolastoqey, striving to support building that capacity whenever possible.

Under the First Nations Policing Program, New Brunswick has Community Program Officers who provide a non-uniformed, alternative service delivery method by civilian members to implement programs that focus on prevention and reduction of crime through education, intervention and sustainable community engagement.

In March 2024, it was announced that the Indigenous Court Worker Program and Gladue Reports received $850,000 from the New Brunswick Department of Justice and Public Safety and from Justice Canada. In 2024-2025, the amount received was $754,814.41 and in 2025-2026 the amount received $ 1,161,990.00. These programs have been accepting clients since April 2025.

The Indigenous Court Worker program and the Gladue Reports program are Indigenous-led programs supported by the provincial and federal governments. The Indigenous Court Worker Program helps Indigenous people involved in the criminal justice system obtain fair, just, equitable and culturally relevant treatment. A Gladue Report describes an Indigenous person’s background and how they might have been impacted by discrimination, making recommendations on options other than jail that might address the reason an individual is in court.

The New Brunswick Plan to Prevent and Respond to Violence Against Aboriginal Women and Girls was released in 2017. The Government of New Brunswick will continue to work with and engage Indigenous women through the New Brunswick Advisory Committee on Violence Against Aboriginal Women, community partners, and families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, with regards to the final recommendations from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

The Family Information Liaison Unit (FILU) is a dedicated liaison between families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and other provincial agencies and services, including the criminal justice system, social services, and policing in New Brunswick. The FILU ensures the needs of families are addressed and responded to in a coordinated, focused, accurate, and culturally safe manner.

The Aboriginal Domestic Violence Outreach Program supports Indigenous women living in or outside of a First Nations community. The Outreach Worker helps to improve Indigenous women’s access to services, provides help and information to Indigenous women in need, and increases awareness on intimate partner violence in the community. The Aboriginal Domestic Violence Outreach Program is now available in 11 First Nations communities in New Brunswick.

A Coordinated Community Response pilot provides additional support for high risk and high danger cases of intimate partner violence. Teams include representation from Indigenous organizations (i.e., Gignoo Transition House).

Gignoo Transition House, a not-for-profit women’s shelter in Fredericton for Indigenous women and children experiencing domestic violence, is funded by the provincial and federal governments.

The Love Shouldn’t Hurt Campaign materials include a focus on Indigenous women with information and material translated into Wolastoqey and Mi’gmaq. The campaign has partnered with Indigenous groups to provide awareness and promote the campaign to Indigenous populations and communities.

The Victim Services Program has partnered with Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick (PLEIS-NB) to develop a directory of services for victims of abuse living in First Nations communities.

An Indigenous Senior Consultant has been hired within the Department of Justice and Public Safety’s Victim Services to work with all First Nations communities to identify the needs of victims experiencing crime in their community. This position strengthens existing relationships and builds new ones through community engagement, improving understanding of the Provincial Victims Services and access to supports.

Women’s Equality coordinated an analysis of the 2019 National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and the 231 Calls for Justice. Women’s Equality collaborated with Government of New Brunswick departments and Indigenous communities and organizations to develop New Brunswick’s response in its 2023 report entitled, Weaving Our Voices Together: New Brunswick’s Path to Safety for Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People.

Women’s Equality developed a dedicated website, Weaving Our Voices Together (gnb.ca), which provides information and annual updates on departmental actions.

Progress has been made in the following areas of Weaving Our Voices Together, including:

• Creating the Indigenous Sexual Violence Coordinator position at Sexual Violence New Brunswick, aimed at capacity-building within Indigenous communities and organizations.
• Providing specialized training to Indigenous domestic violence outreach workers and staff at transition houses and shelters, enhancing their ability to support Indigenous women and children.
• Conducting training for the staff of Nignen Women’s Shelter, which is the first women’s shelter located within an Indigenous community in New Brunswick.

The Government of New Brunswick provides a Probation Officer and Victim Services Coordinator to support the Elsipogtog Healing to Wellness Court. The court incorporates Indigenous practices and culture in addressing the root causes of crime, such as mental health and addictions. Eligible participants take responsibility for their actions and comply with a treatment program as ordered by the court.

Under the First Nations Policing Program, New Brunswick has Community Program Officers who provide a non-uniformed, alternative service delivery method by civilian members to implement programs that focus on prevention and reduction of crime through education, intervention and sustainable community engagement.

Justice and Public Safety collaborated with First Nations in New Brunswick to establish an Indigenous Court Worker Program and Gladue Reports Program. These Indigenous-led programs have been accepting clients since 2025.

The Indigenous Court Worker Program helps Indigenous people involved in the criminal justice system obtain fair, just, equitable and culturally relevant treatment. A Gladue Report describes an Indigenous person’s background and how they might have been impacted by discrimination, making recommendations on options other than jail that might address the reason an individual is in court.

The Mi’gmaq Peacekeeping and Community Safety Initiative is designed to promote community safety within eight Mi’gmaq communities in New Brunswick. The project is focused on early intervention and de‐escalation mechanisms with trained Mi’gmaq representatives, as well as improved relationship‐building, and collaborative development of safety processes and protocols with existing policing bodies and community services. This project received $3.6 million from 2024 to 2027 from Justice and Public Safety.

The Government of New Brunswick has completed the technical compliance review of its programs, policies and legislation to determine the extent to which they comply with the principles articulated in the Declaration.

Information on activities related to this Call to Action has not yet been reported.

The Government of New Brunswick has considered this Call to Action and the legal principles established by the Supreme Court of Canada in various cases related to Aboriginal title.

The National Council for Reconciliation was incorporated in March 2025. Once data is requested, the Province would be in a position to provide data for 55.ii. (comparative funding for the education of First Nations children on and off reserves) and 55.iii (the educational and income attainments of Aboriginal peoples in Canada compared with non-Aboriginal people).

The Government of New Brunswick (GNB) has contracted with 4 Seasons of Reconciliation to offer public servants a unique and comprehensive online course that promotes a renewed relationship between Indigenous peoples and Canadians. The course was developed with the First Nations University of Canada and was launched in January 2024. The course is mandatory for all employees in Part 1 of the Public Service and available to Part 2 of the Public Service.

Additional training and learning modules are offered to teams or individual employees based on their work. This has included:

• Blanket exercises (an interactive experience that builds understanding about the shared history of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada).
• Cultural safety and awareness training delivered by the Department of Indigenous Affairs.
• Training sessions provided by Indigenous organizations such as the Joint Economic Development Initiative and Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn.
• Teachings by Elder Albert Marshall on the application of Two-Eyed Seeing.
• Training for Social Development staff on cultural competency, bias, diversity, trauma, neglect, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Jordan’s Principle, trauma-informed practice, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, and working with Indigenous partners.
• Professional learning opportunities to school personnel respecting Indigenous history, traditions and current realities. This has included the Wabanaki Cultural Immersion camps.

The First Nations communities and the school districts develop strategic plans for students living in a First Nations community and attending public schools. Objectives of these plans include providing a quality educational experience that is relevant and recognizes cultural background.

Education Support Services has provided any documentation (with videos) to First Nations families in their mother tongue. They are also working on having their Essential Skills Program in the 13 most common languages spoken in New Brunswick as well as the Mi’gmaq and Wolastoqey languages.

Francophone Sector

A survey on systemic racism was conducted among learners in the French-language school system. The responses will be analysed to provide an updated picture of the situation, deepen understanding of its nature and impacts, and inform the development of solutions and recommendations.

Two Wabanaki Elders’ Voices videos were created to support the curriculum, aiming to eliminate racism and explore Mi’kmaq and Acadian relations.

A new educational resource for Grade 4 and 5 teachers includes First Nations and Black/Afro-descendant perspectives. It also provides a list of Wabanaki resource people to help schools connect with First Nations communities.

Educational Resources for the Wabanaki Framework

Educational resources have been created to support the implementation of the objectives of the Wabanaki Framework. These resources aim to promote a holistic and respectful understanding of Indigenous cultures and perspectives in education.

Curriculum Revision

The Social Studies curriculum in grade 5 has been revised to include the cultural perspectives of First Nations.

Storytelling

Teaching guides and subtitled videos have been created to introduce students to the First Nations languages of New Brunswick. These resources contribute to the promotion and transmission of Wabanaki cultures to learners.

Holistic Educational Model

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, inspired by the teachings of Indigenous Elder Noël Milliea, has enriched its educational model with a holistic perspective. Centered on the balance of physical, cognitive, and emotional dimensions while valuing the learner’s strengths, this model guides educators in supporting each student’s personal and academic development. The holistic educational model serves as a guiding framework for new curriculum programs.

Indigenous Elders Advisory Committee

N/A

All relevant records have been provided to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

All relevant records have been provided to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

All relevant records have been provided to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

Engagement is underway with survivors of Residential Schools and their descendants to discuss the intent and meaning of this call to action and to seek feedback on the form, character and objective of the monument.

Discussions have taken place with the City of Fredericton and the Government of New Brunswick Department of Transportation and Infrastructure to assist in finding suitable locations for a monument.

Jason Peters, a builder of Indigenous sports, was inducted into the New Brunswick Sports Hall of fame. A link to his Hall of Fame biography can be found here: https://www.nbsportshalloffame.com/honoured-members/jason-peters

The Government of New Brunswick continues to provide annual funding to the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame (NBSHF) to support the Sport Ambassador Program, which trains Indigenous sport leaders to deliver presentations in schools and communities across the province, including First Nations.

The NBSHF is collaborating with Aboriginal Sport and Recreation New Brunswick (ASRNB) on a future exhibit. While the original concept focused on the 2023 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) and the upcoming 2027 Games, the project may expand to highlight a broader showcase of Indigenous athletes and their achievements.

At the most recent New Brunswick Indigenous Summer Games, ASRNB introduced the inaugural Robert “Bobby” Sylliboy Courage Award, honouring athletes who demonstrate courage, leadership, and sportsmanship. The first recipient was Xander Jerome of Ugpi’ganjig (Eel River Bar First Nation), who earned multiple medals in swimming. Bobby’s legacy as a dedicated sport leader and community advocate, recognized through numerous honours, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal, will continue to be celebrated annually through this award.

The Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture (THC) provides annual funding and works in close partnership with Aboriginal Sport and Recreation New Brunswick (ASRNB) and other partners such as Coach New Brunswick and Sport New Brunswick to support the development of Indigenous athletes and coaches in the province. THC’s core funding supports programs like Paddleboard Warriors, Female Empowerment Summit, National Aboriginal Hockey Championship tryouts, North American Indigenous Games 2027-Team NB Kick Off, and Female Ice Warriors Hockey Camp. Funding also supports the provincial Indian Summer Games, Team New Brunswick preparation for the North American Indigenous Games, and annual recognition events and awards for Indigenous sport leaders. Other activities supported include Indigenous Coaching Modules, the Wabanaki Hoops Basketball Clinic, the Rising Warriors Program and the Eel River Bar Ugpi’Ganjig Youth Hockey Program.

The Government of New Brunswick supports provincial and community projects that strengthen physical literacy and increases sport participation through the GO NB Bilateral Agreement and THC’s regional offices. THC provides expertise and resources to help promote the Aboriginal Long-Term Development Model. In 2025, THC supported one Indigenous community GO NB project, the Ugpi’ganjig (Eel River Bar First Nation) Youth Hockey initiative, focused on increasing youth sport participation and skill development.

THC’s Sport and Recreation Branch is working with Lacrosse New Brunswick in partnership with ASRNB to promote lacrosse within Indigenous communities. In early 2025, Lacrosse NB initiated engagement with Sitansisk (St. Mary’s), Metepenagiag (Red Bank), and Elsipogtog (Big Cove) First Nations to advance Indigenous lacrosse programming and athlete development.

In fiscal year 2023-2024, THC supported one provincial and four community physical literacy projects through its Sport Participation Program.