Issue: Child Welfare and Poverty
Background:
The historic actions by the Government of Canada with respect to the treatment of Aboriginal children have destroyed traditional nations of Aboriginal People. Through assimilation policies such as residential school and the sixties scoop Aboriginal people have lost language, culture, and connections to traditional lands. While these policies are thought to be a thing of the past their legacy is perpetuated numerous child welfare policies, laws and legislation.
Fast Facts:
- There are currently more children in care of the state than there were at the height of the residential school era.
- Twice the proportion of Off-reserve Aboriginal children lived with a lone parent in 2001, as non-Aboriginal children did.
- Off-reserve Aboriginal children are four times more likely to be hungry than non-Aboriginal children.
- Aboriginal children experience more health problems.
Recommendations:
- That ALL levels of government in partnership with ALL National Aboriginal Organizations take the necessary steps to address the root causes related to Aboriginal child welfare in Canada.
- That all levels of government in partnership with ALL National Aboriginal Organizations immediately redefine Aboriginal child welfare priorities to focus on supporting and strengthening families and communities.
- That Aboriginal organizations work in partnership with all levels of government, mainstream organizations, and each other to ensure that existing child welfare structures are adaptable to the needs of Aboriginal children and families.
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For further information, please contact:
Al Fleming
Director
Public Affairs
613-747-6022 (office)
613-867-8696 (mobile)
al@abo-peoples.org
