Mi'kmaw and Indigenous Kinship Care in Nova Scotia

Kinship care is not a new concept in Mi'kmaw and Indigenous communities. Long before provincial child welfare systems existed, extended family networks raised children collectively — grandparents, aunts, uncles, and community members stepping in as a natural part of family life. What's newer is navigating the government systems that now sit on top of those traditions.

Mi'kmaw Family and Children Services of Nova Scotia

Mi'kmaw Family and Children Services of Nova Scotia (MFCSNS) is the designated child welfare agency serving Mi'kmaw communities across the province. Unlike the provincial Department of Opportunities and Social Development, MFCSNS operates within a cultural framework that recognises kinship care as a first-choice placement, not a last resort.

MFCSNS provides family preservation services, kinship assessments, and support to extended family members who take on the care of Mi'kmaw children. In its placement decisions, the agency considers the child's relationships with extended family and community, culture, language, and location, with the goal of placement in a kinship home or with Mi'kmaw foster caregivers in their home communities.

For Mi'kmaw families involved with MFCSNS, kinship care arrangements may carry formal recognition and support that parallel the provincial Alternative Family Care program but flow through the agency's own processes.

Canada Child Benefit for Indigenous Kinship Caregivers

The Canada Revenue Agency recognises Indigenous kinship arrangements when processing Canada Child Benefit applications. This is important because it means a Mi'kmaw grandparent or relative caring for a child under a recognised community or kinship arrangement can apply for CCB without needing a formal court order from the provincial court system.

The application still uses Form RC66 and still requires proof of primary care. But the CRA's guidance explicitly includes Indigenous kinship care as a valid care arrangement, and a letter from a Band councillor or MFCSNS worker can serve as proof of care alongside the standard school and medical letters.

For children in formal MFCSNS care (equivalent to agency care under the Children and Family Services Act), the agency receives the Children's Special Allowance instead of the caregiver receiving CCB. This is the same rule that applies to any formal child welfare placement — CCB and CSA are mutually exclusive for the same child in the same month.

Tax Exemptions and Section 87

Indigenous caregivers living on reserve may have income that is exempt from federal income tax under Section 87 of the Indian Act. This affects CCB calculations because the benefit is based on Adjusted Family Net Income from your tax return.

If your income is tax-exempt and your AFNI is low or zero, your CCB entitlement will be at or near the maximum: up to $8,157 per year for a child under 6 and $6,883 for a child aged 6 to 17 (2026-27 rates). You still need to file a tax return every year to receive CCB payments — even if your income is exempt.

Provincial Supports

Mi'kmaw kinship caregivers can access the same provincial programs as any Nova Scotia resident:

• Alternative Family Care (AFC): $500 start-up for the first child, $250 for additional children, plus $250 per child per month. Non-taxable and doesn't reduce GIS or OAS.
• Child Care Subsidy: Available to households with adjusted net income under $70,000, no work requirement.
• ESIA (Income Assistance): Household means-tested; CPP, OAS, and GIS are counted dollar-for-dollar against the benefit.
• Direct Family Support for Children (DFSC): For children with severe disabilities, providing respite funding.

In addition, some Mi'kmaw communities offer their own family support programs, emergency funds, and cultural programming. MFCSNS or your Band office can point you to what's available in your community.

An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children

Federal legislation (Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families) affirms the inherent right of Indigenous peoples to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services. This law prioritises keeping Indigenous children within their families and communities and recognises the importance of cultural continuity.

For a particular placement, ask MFCSNS or the relevant Indigenous governing body what financial and caregiving supports apply. The federal Act sets out child-welfare principles, but does not by itself identify a specific payment for every kinship caregiver.

The Nova Scotia kinship financial help guide covers all the provincial and federal financial supports in one place — the benefit applications, the court process, and the proof of care requirements — so you can focus on the child rather than the paperwork.

See more Nova Scotia guides →