A $2.1-billion proposed class action heads to court on Monday, where Manitoba's chief justice will decide if the provincial and federal governments failed First Nations through what the suit calls "devastating mismanagement of the child welfare system."

The chiefs of three Manitoba First Nations — Black River First Nation, Pimicikamak Cree Nation and Misipawistik Cree Nation, along with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs — launched the lawsuit in October 2022.

The statement of claim says they're see…