First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) and Jordan’s Principle (JP) Capital Funding Program Support

Community impact

This project empowers First Nations communities by establishing modern, safe, and dedicated spaces for child and family services and healing programs. By securing long-term infrastructure, we help strengthen local support systems, ensuring that future generations have access to essential care and resources within their own communities.

Client name

Various First Nations Child and Family Services agencies and Communities:

  • Bilijk CFS
  • Esgenoôpetitj CFS
  • Matawaskiyak CFS
  • Mi’gmaq CFS New Brunswick (serving Amlamgog (Fort Folly First Nation), L’no Minigog (Indian Island First Nation), Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation (Red Bank First Nation), Natoaganeg (Eel Ground First Nation), Oinpegitjoig (Pabineau First Nation) and
    Tjipõgtõtjg (Buctouche First Nation))
  • Sitansisk
  • Wotstak CFS

Location

New Brunswick

Project Description

The delivery of equitable and culturally appropriate services for First Nations children and families is a fundamental right. Following the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) 41 decision, which mandated federal funding for capital assets under the FNCFS and Jordan’s Principle (JP) programs, many communities faced the task of navigating new funding streams to build essential infrastructure.

Acting as Owner’s Representative, SOAR is supporting clients by supporting CFS program staff in helping to secure these critical community needs in consideration of the rigorous requirements of the capital funding process. This role helps to not only ensure Indigenous perspectives and voices guide the design, but also allow for CFS staff to focus on their roles supporting children and families in their communities. Our role is to help make sure the vision for new healing houses, administration buildings, and development centres becomes a functional reality, providing the physical foundation for vital social services.

Acting as a strategic partner and single point of contact, SOAR is providing comprehensive oversight across the entire project lifecycle—from initial capital funding requests to final construction. Our team leads detailed Needs Assessments to identify facility gaps and Feasibility Studies that analyze site-specific technicalities, roadway access, and preliminary cost estimates. By managing the transition from conceptual design to active construction, we allow our clients to focus on their primary mission of service delivery while we handle the technical complexities of project management, procurement, and contract administration.

SOAR is currently supporting several landmark developments, including a new Youth and Cultural Centre, and an Administration Building and Healing House in Bilijk, as well as Development Centres and Children’s Homes in communities such as Metepenagiag, Natoaganeg, and Buctouche. By providing technical support and eventually construction observation, we make sure these facilities will be built to the highest standards, meeting both regulatory requirements and the specific cultural needs of the communities they serve.

Renderings of the Bilijk Administration Building below courtesy of Lydon Lynch Architects.