On February 13, 2026, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) called for an immediate and complete review of how the province pays for child welfare services in Sandy Bay, Manitoba. The group represents 33 First Nations and wants the government to fix a funding model they say is leaving local agencies without enough resources. This move is intended to help families, foster parents, and social workers get the support they need.
Grand Chief Jerry Daniels says that the current system is causing staffing shortages and makes it difficult to provide basic family supports. The organization is asking for a review of the Single-Envelope Funding model, which provides a fixed amount of money to agencies rather than paying based on the number of children in care. The SCO argues that this system does not keep up with the actual needs of the communities they serve.
In Sandy Bay, the local child welfare agency is also dealing with a legal battle to recover $10.6 million from a former executive director, Richard De La Ronde. Leaders believe that a provincial update to the funding system could provide a much-needed financial restart for the community. This would help the local agency hire more staff and offer more programs to keep children safe and families together.
The push for a funding review aims to ensure that local agencies have the money they need to focus on preventing crises before they start. By updating the current model, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization hopes to create a more stable system for all 33 First Nations in the region. The outcome of this request will determine the future of social services and family support in Sandy Bay.
