Ontario Children’s Aid Societies apologizes for harm done to Indigenous Peoples

TORONTO – The Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies has apologized for harm done to Indigenous children and families in the province.

The association says it made the apology Tuesday during a gathering at Rama First Nation.

Association CEO Mary Ballantyne acknowledged and apologized for the harmful role child welfare has played historically, and continues to play, in the lives of Ontario’s Indigenous children, families and communities.

Indigenous participants, including survivors of the ’60s Scoop and residential schools, spoke to the gathering about the devastating impact the child welfare system has had on their communities.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Following the acknowledgment and apology, leaders and elders from Indigenous communities across the province were invited to respond.

The association says the apology was met with strong emotion and insistence that the words be matched by action and accountability.