PENTICTON–Fewer than eight per cent of children in B.C. are aboriginal, but First Nation’s children represent more than half of our province’s children in care.
The overrepresentation of aboriginal children in care was just one topic discussed at a Children’s First Forum in Penticton.
It coincides with this week’s human rights tribunal ruling that Ottawa has to put more money into on-reserve child services. The ruling determined that the Government of Canada discriminated against aboriginal children by underfunding welfare services on reserves.
“This tribunal decision gives us hope that we’re going to be able to move forward and be able to look after our won children,” says Eliza Terbasket, Lower Similkameen Band Council Member.
Local First Nation’s leaders and children’s advocates say it’s a good start but their fight isn’t over yet. They’ve also launched legal action, to have the province relinquish control of social services for First Nation’s children living off–reserve.
- ‘Shock and disbelief’ after Manitoba school trustee’s Indigenous comments
- ‘Super lice’ are becoming more resistant to chemical shampoos. What to use instead
- Is home ownership only for the rich now? 80% say yes in new poll
- Invasive strep: ‘Don’t wait’ to seek care, N.S. woman warns on long road to recovery
Comments