Background • Who We Are • Visions & Goals
We:
Recognize the past, and current, multi-generational and multi-dimensional impacts of colonization on Indigenous children, youth, and families;
Honor those who suffered the loss of their family relationships and identities as a consequence of child welfare decisions and those who have kept family relationships strong despite all odds;
Respect those who have worked, and continue to work, to build and develop culturally based services and policies;
Affirm that all Indigenous children and youth have the right to family (nuclear and extended), safety, and well-being, and to be able to identify with, and thrive as, a member of their culture of origin.
Further, it is expected that the path to reconciliation in child welfare will:
Acknowledge the mistakes of the past, and establish a child welfare profession based on non-discriminatory values, social justice, and fundamental human rights;
Set a foundation of open communication that affirms and supports Indigenous families and communities as the best caregivers for Indigenous children and youth;
Respect the intrinsic right of Indigenous children, youth, and families to define their own cultural identity;
Improve the quality of, and access to, services for all children, youth, and families to free the potential of each person;
Build a united and mutually respectful system of child welfare capable of responding to the needs of all children and youth;
Strengthen the ability of the child welfare profession to learn, ensuring past mistakes do not become tomorrow's destiny.
From: Reconciliation in Child Welfare: Touchstones of Hope for Indigenous Children, Youth, and Families, by Cindy Blackstock, Terry Cross, John George, Ivan Brown, and Jocelyn Formsma