A Manitoba First Nation has begun the process of creating its own child welfare system under controversial federal legislation that allows Indigenous groups to enact their own laws.

The federal government has yet to commit a dollar amount to the system overhaul.

FSIN vice-chief David Pratt is fed up with what he calls government inaction and hollow gestures.

A south Saskatchewan First Nation has passed its own child welfare legislation and is now working with the federal and provincial governments on implementation.

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations says they will soon put a formal request to fund child and family services, valued around $360 million annually for five years.

Cowessess First Nation plans on ratifying their own child welfare laws on March 2, giving the community jurisdiction over their own kids in government care.

The new law, passed as Bill C-92 last June, affirms the rights of Indigenous communities to enforce their own rules around child and family services.

FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said First Nations communities can't afford to put Bill C-92 into action without stable, long-term funding from the federal government.

Assembly of First Nations Chief Perry Bellegarde ended his two year boycott of the annual premiers meeting, but says he will keep pushing for a regular Indigenous voice at the table.