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Reconciliation in Action: First Nations and non Aboriginal Children standing together for a better Canada. Cindy Blackstock, PhD and special guest Cannexus, January 23, 2013, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada Associate Professor, University of Alberta
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Reconciliation in Action: First Nations and non Aboriginal Children standing together for a better Canada Cindy Blackstock, PhD and special guest Cannexus, January 23, 2013, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada Associate Professor, University of Alberta www.fncaringsociety.com
“ I am profoundly disappointed to note in Chapter 4 of this Status Report that despite federal action in response to our recommendations over the years, a disproportionate number of First Nations people still lack the most basic services that other Canadians take for granted. Sheila Fraser, Auditor General of Canada (June 2011) “
People living in more equal societies: Live longer Are better educated Have robust economies Live in safe/trusting communities Have lower rates of mental health and substance misuse Have lower teen pregnancy rates (Wilkinson & Pickett, 2010- the Spirit Level) Among OECD countries, Canada has one of the highest increases in income inequality. 6% of seniors are poor and 15 % of children (OECD, 2008). Canada spends three times the amount on seniors than it does on children (UNICEF Canada).
8765 Supporters “School should be a time for dreams – every kid deserves this” Shannen Koostachin, founder of Shannen’s Dream, (1995-2010)
First Nations in State Care in Canada Res. School 1870-1996 Child Welfare 1955- Present *estimates. FN children 6-8 more times likely to be in foster care (Auditor General of Canada, 2008)
“Department officials and staff from First Nations agencies told us that child welfare services in First Nations communities are not comparable with off-reserve services.” Sheila Fraser, Auditor General of Canada Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Committee, 2010
The I am a witness Campaign • Watch the case and make up your own minds about whether or not Canada is treating First Nations children fairly • The most formally watched legal case in Canadian history • Hearings on the merits begin on February 25, 2013. Open to the Public 11353 Supporters
“ Canada's lawyer has to come up with a good reason as to why the Tribunal should be dismissed and really there is no reason except for the fact that the government is scared, and does not want justice to be done. It's no wonder the government doesn't want this to be public. It is quite embarrassing and sad to think that our government is trying to get out of its responsibility to provide the same quality of services to First Nations children in the child welfare system as they do to non-Native children. Summer Brisson, Elizabeth Wyn Wood student June 2, 3, 2010 “
Take Action: Reconciliation does not happen without you! www.fncaringsociety.com Jordan’s Principle