Upcoming Events • October 2005
Reconciliation in child welfare with Indigenous Peoples is a North American movement that was launched in October 2005, at an international leadership event in Niagara Falls, Canada.
Highlights and resources from this event are presented in this section, as well as upcoming conferences and events intended to further the movement.
To receive e-bulletin updates about new events and resources, send your email address to reconciliationmovement@gmail.com.
The Reconciliation Working Group had a meeting in September and will be meeting again in February 2007 to discuss upcoming activities. Current initiatives include the development of a tool kit and the first drafts of Reconciliation curriculum.
Check back for more updates.
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.