Children and Families News Briefs From 2002

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Children and Families News Briefs From 2002
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Turtle Island Native Network
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December 19, 2002 - Aboriginals should be more involved. Metis must be recognized. Adoption records should be more open. Those are among the recommendations of the review of Alberta's child welfare act. Some of the other recommendations include separate legislation pertaining to services provided to children with disabilities, extending maintenance for youth in government care to age 22. The Children's Services Ministry will now draft legislation based on the recommendations of the Strengthening Families, Children and Youth report. Highlights include a focus on finding permanent homes for children in government care, an emphasis on family involvement in child welfare cases, increased Aboriginal involvement in the decision-making process and a recommendation to broaden the role of the Children's Advocate. To achieve better outcomes for Aboriginal, First Nations, Metis and Inuit children, the report recommends an increased responsibility for collaborating with these communities. Enhanced collaboration will ensure meaningful involvement in case management and child welfare decision-making as well as further support these communities in increased responsibility for their children. It is also recommended the Metis community be recognized in the legislation. Children's Services will continue working with key stakeholders, including the First Nation, Metis, Inuit and Aboriginal communities as policies and regulations related to the new legislation are developed. New child welfare legislation will be introduced in the Legislature in Spring 2003 and is expected to be proclaimed in 2004.

The Strengthening Families, Children and Youth report is available on-line at www.childwelfareact.gov.ab.ca

December 18, 2002 - What they did was wrong, according to their boss. Now, child welfare workers in Manitoba may face criminal charges after they apprehended three children from the Pauingassi First Nation who were then stripped and held in a makeshift jail, naked for several hours. Manitoba's head of child protection branch has ordered a review. The social workers claim the children were gas sniffers whose lives were in danger because they might kill themselves. Linda Flett of the Southeast Child and Family Service said Pauingassi First Nation is a community in crisis and the social workers merely wanted to keep the children safe. However, their actions to protect the children are being questioned and may eventually result in charges being laid. The Mounties are investigating. Meanwhile, COnservative family services critic Myrna Driedger called it a violation of their human rights and she wants an independent review of the entire child welfare system to see how widespread the problems are in Manitoba.

December 13, 2002 - The Conservative Government has dashed hope of gaining a much-needed overhaul of Ontario's adoption law, says New Democrat MPP Marilyn Churley. Tories have prevented Churley's Bill 77 to improve access to records for adoptees and birth parents from going to a crucial final vote that would have finally made it law after three years of trying. Similar legislation has been passed all over the world, including British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Oregon, Alaska, England, Scotland, Australia, and New Zealand, to name a few. The Toronto-Danforth MPP met with adoptees and birth mothers and pledged to keep fighting. - -There were some tears, but there was also anger and renewed resolve. This is not over -- we will never give up,- - Churley said. - -My bill will be back, but in the meantime, people are becoming ill and some are dying because they do not have access to their medical history,- - she said. - -It's hard to stomach Conservatives once again preventing the adoption community from winning this badly-needed and widely supported update to Ontario's antiquated adoption laws while finding time to debate and vote on their own members bills. It is high time to open Ontario's adoption records so adult adoptees can access their own adoption records and medical information,- - said Churley, a birth mother who reunited with her son after a lengthy search.

November 5, 2002 - Thousands of kids heading off to school on empty stomachs - hunger and poor academic performance - persistent poverty plagues Canadian children. Although it is called the Progress of Canada’s Children 2002, you will be hard pressed to find progress highlighted in the report by the Canadian Council on Social Development CCSD. The statistics on hunger offer the most disturbing glimpse into the deteriorating living conditions of many Canadian children documented in the CCSD’s report. It says the number of Canadian children going hungry is on the rise and shows no sign of letting up. Approximately 75,000 families with children under the age of 12 reported being hungry. The report includes the following regarding Aboriginal families, specifically in Ontario - -Poverty is taking a dreadful toll on the health and well-being of Aboriginal children and it is crushing the spirits of Aboriginal families in urban centres across Ontario. Interviews done by the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres have detailed the severe impact that living in poverty is having on the day-to-day realities of Aboriginal Ontarians. Even the most basic needs are not being met, and food insecurity has resulted in overwhelming demands for emergency supplies from Friendship Centres. In some cases, the insecurity is so severe that parents have put their children into the care of the Children’s Aid Society. As well, the damaging psychological effects of poverty were mentioned in every interview. Aboriginal youth in Ontario are at risk because of their sexual practices. A study of 255 young people in the province found that some Aboriginal youth are becoming sexually active as young as age 11, and that by age 16, 62 per cent of those interviewed were sexually active, with more than half reporting little or no use of contraceptives. As well, 61 per cent of the female respondents and 35 per cent of the males said they had experienced some form of sexual abuse. While they did not elaborate on the impact this had had on their lives, other data indicate that abused youth are more likely to have unprotected sex, to have more sexual partners, and more likely to be involved in a teen pregnancy.- - The CCSD's sixth annual report describes the impact on children as their families struggle when they live in persistent poverty. It takes a heavy toll on their children. For example, the report reveals that - -families living in persistent poverty are three times as likely to have a parent suffering from depression, and parental depression can have a profoundly negative impact on a child’s well-being. The despair and anxiety resulting from persistent poverty may well contribute to the record rate of child runaways in Canada – more than 50,000 in the year 2000 – and the rising number of children being placed in foster care – up by more than 5,000 children between 1995 and 2000 in Ontario alone.- - In the report's Profile of children and youth, under the heading of Health Status it explains - -A survey of Aboriginal youth in Ontario revealed that many had experienced some form of sexual abuse: 61 per cent of female respondents and 35 per cent of males. Those who had experienced abuse were more likely to have unprotected sex and to be involved in a teen pregnancy. Aboriginal children are much more likely than other children in Canada to die from injuries: the rate of death from injuries is four times greater for Aboriginal infants, and among preschoolers, the rate is five times greater.- -

October 31, 2002 - Aboriginal Head Start program gets a big boost. Members of the Oneida Nation of the Thames gathered with The Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Secretary of State - Children and Youth as she announced a $320 million early childhood development initiative for Aboriginal children. This is a new investment to expand the Aboriginal Head Start Program for Aboriginal children living on and off reserve and to enhance and expand the First Nations and Inuit Child Care program. Through the federal strategy, the Government of Canada will take additional measures to address the gap in life chances between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children. The investment also enables the Government of Canada to intensify its efforts to address Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects -FAS/FAE in First Nations reserve communities. Funds will also support a national survey on Aboriginal children and research at the community level. The federal strategy will be implemented by Health Canada, Human Resources Development Canada and Indian Affairs and Northern Development in consultation with Aboriginal organizations and communities.

October 23, 2002 - British Columbia Government Accused of Short-Changing Aboriginal children and families. - -The lives of children and vulnerable adults are at risk,- - according to the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union BCGEU. The union makes it clear it supports Aboriginal communities and the plans to transfer governance to First Nations and urban Aboriginal community agencies. In a news release the BCGEU states, - -Aboriginal control of social and child welfare services is merited - but B.C. Liberals not funding regional transfer of services overall.- - This week the government introduced legislation that will transfer responsibility for most social service and child welfare services to regional authorities. Union president George Heyman said the BCGEU believes that any transfer of services for children and families must be properly funded. He noted that during their time in Opposition Gordon Campbell and his Liberals had argued for increases to budgets for the Ministry for Children and Family Development. - -However, now that they are the government we see the Liberals taking the opposite stance. They've slashed ministry budgets by 30 per cent in child and family development, 22 per cent in youth justice and mental health, and 17 per cent in adult community living services.- - The union is blowing the whistle on the government's efforts to dump and run - dump the responsibility onto Aboriginal communities without adequate financial resources. - -Local communities are being directed to set up new systems to deliver these important services with less money. This form of downloading is
not a practical or responsible course of action. The lives of children and vulnerable adults are at risk. Social service workers are also stretched to the limit having worked for years in a ministry that is under-staffed and under-funded,- - said Heyman. The Community Services Interim Authorities Act will allow MCFD Minister Gordon Hogg to create five aboriginal authorities, five interim regional governance authorities and an interim provincial community living authority. These interim authorities will pave the way for permanent governance authorities to be defined in legislation next spring. The BCGEU said it upports a - -principled transfer of services- - as it relates to aboriginal child welfare services. The union defines a principled transfer as a well-planned and well-funded process in which children, families, workers, and communities are respected, consulted, and protected.

October 17, 2002 - It will be a learning curve for all of us, but we are looking forward to making more decisions about how children are cared for here, said Nak'azdli Chief Leonard Thomas. The Nak'azdli and Tl'az'ten nations have taken the first step toward assuming full responsibility for delivering support and intervention services to vulnerable children and families. The Nezul Be Hunuyeh Child and Family Service Agency has been given the authority from the BC Government to develop community-based services that assume responsibility for children's safety and well-being. The agency will provide services under the Child and Family Community Service Act. It will manage a full range of child protection and family support services to the communities of Nak'azdli and Tl'az'ten after a phase-in period over the next three to five years. During this time they will set up governance structures; determine what level of services are needed and how they will be delivered; hire staff; and establish protocols with other social and health agencies, the police and the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Chief Thomas Alexis of the Tl'az'ten band said, - -This is an opportunity to show the rest of the province we do mean to take care of our people and mentor our children.- - The Nezul Be Hunuyeh Child and Family Service Agency is the 21st aboriginal child welfare agency established in British Columbia since 1987 and the sixth in northern B.C.

October 2, 2002 - Exceptional achievements by Aboriginal students at University of Victoria - Graduates among most highly qualified child care professionals in the province. Fourteen members of the Little Shuswap Indian Band receiving UVic diplomas in child and youth care on Oct. 4 will be among the most highly qualified early childhood education graduates in British Columbia. In addition to their First Nations Partnership Program diploma requirements, offered by UVic's school of child and youth care, the Little Shuswap students have also completed the required course work to care for infants and toddlers as well as children with special needs. Dr. Jessica Ball, coordinator of the program said, - -Not many people complete all three levels of certification. Each of these individuals is now qualified to operate a full-service child care program in their community.- - The Little Shuswap Indian Band is the latest Aboriginal organization to participate in the two-year First Nations Partnership Program to train community members in early childhood care and education. The program is a unique arrangement in Canada that incorporates the traditional knowledge and practices of the partners with the program's mainstream curriculum. Band members are able to study in the communities they will later enrich as caregivers to the next generation. Eight tribal organizations in three provinces have offered the programs in their communities. This year's graduates are Alkina Aleck, Crystal Arnouse, Stephanie August, Yvonne August, Corinne Demas, Roberta Lampreau, Elaine Lavery, Margaret Louie, Eva Michel, Vicki Sampolio, Frances Saul, Debbie Tomma, Dorothy Tronson, and Brenda Williams.

September 9th, 2002 - -We cannot stand idly by and do nothing when we know that aboriginal children make up 40 per cent of the children in provincial care.- - The words from Chief Stewart Phillip highlight the fact that the present system in British Columbia does not serve Aboriginal children well. With that in mind, a deal has been struck between the Metis Provincial Council, the United Native Nations, the First Nations Summit and Union of BC Indian Chiefs - at the University of B.C. Museum of Anthropology, Aboriginal leaders signed an agreement with the BC Government dealing with improving child welfare. A government news release said the agreement - -will allow more aboriginal children to grow up and flourish in their own culture.- - Children of aboriginal ancestry make up only eight per cent of British Columbia's child population but comprise 40 per cent of about 10,000 children in the government's care. A memorandum of understanding establishes a 14-member committee representing all major aboriginal organizations and the provincial government. The committee will make decisions about issues relating to the safety and well-being of aboriginal children and families as the government transfers child protection and family development resources and services to regional authorities. Among those at the signing was Grand Chief Ed John of the First Nations Summit. For a brief time he was the Minister of Children and Families in the New Democrats government and signed a similar Memorandum of Understanding with Aboriginal leaders, except the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. However, UBCIC president Chief Stewart Phillip signed on this time - -There's been a tremendous amount of positive energy generated around this issue because we are talking about our future generations and the importance of working together to make sure our children have better lives. Today we have come together and in the presence of our Creator and our Ancestors to make a very public commitment to dedicate our collective effort to safeguard the future interest of our children. It is a truly historic MOU where the Aboriginal leaders from the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, First Nations Summit, United Native Nations, Metis Provincial Council of BC, service delivery organizations, and the Province of BC agree to set aside our political and ideological differences and commit to work collectively together for our children.- -

BC's Children and Family Development Minister Gordon Hogg said- -If we give the aboriginal community the responsibility and the resources, they will be able to do the job better.- - In June 2002, aboriginal leaders came together to sign the Tsawwassen Accord, calling for the development of aboriginal authorities to lead the way in reducing the number of aboriginal children in care. Adding their names to the memorandum of understanding as supporters and members of the aboriginal advisory committee are the Assembly of First Nations - B.C. Region, the B.C. Aboriginal Network on Disabilities Society, the B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, the Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents, the Metis Commission for Children and Family Services, the Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of B.C., the First Nations Agency Directors' Forum, the Aboriginal Health Association of B.C. and Healing the Spirit - the B.C. Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Society.

July 25, 2002 - In a story familiar to children and family agencies across Turtle Island - Dakota Ojibway Child and Family Services and Swan Lake First Nation blocked any non-Native adoption of a three year old Aboriginal girl taken from her teen mother and placed in foster care. The legal battle developed over concerns the child would lose her cultural connections if adopted by non-Aboriginals. Justice Holly Beard agreed to leave her in foster care but said the child's best interests would be met if she were adopted.

June 18, 2002 - Six of seven youth suicides were Aboriginals, says fatality report by BC Children's Commission. It released the last of its child and youth fatality reports, ending a process that arose from the 1995 Gove Inquiry into the death of five-year-old Matthew Vaudreuil. The fatality reports included - Seven youth who committed suicide, six of them aboriginal. Four of the youths shot themselves, including one who used a gun that was not properly stored. The Children's Commission will be eliminated this year, and some of its functions moved to a new Office for Children and Youth. The B.C. Coroners Service will assume responsibility for investigating child and youth deaths. Of course names were not released. However, details of the individual cases are as follows - 97-01368 – A fifteen-year-old with a previous history of attempting suicide hung herself in her room. There were issues of inadequate child protection and mental health services in her life; some community-based services were responsive. 99-00676 – A sixteen-year-old youth hung himself at his family home. There is a high identified youth suicide risk in this community, and improvements are required to youth probation services in this community. 99-00244 – A seventeen-year-old youth hung herself at her family home. She had been in foster care. Issues were identified with child protection practise in this case, as well as with foster care and guardianship services. There was an apparent lack of timely mental health services, and case management was not adequate. 00-00113 – An eighteen-year-old youth shot himself. This youth received good educational services in his latter years, but was eventually expelled from school. A need for improvements to addiction and domestic violence are noted. 99-00694 – A seventeen-year-old youth shot himself at his home. Child protection practise did not meet standards in this case, and conventional counselling programs for sexual abuse were not effective, nor were they accepted, in this case. 00-00371 – A fifteen-year-old died when she shot herself. There were issues of firearms storage, racism, and substance abuse in this case. 98-23261 – A fourteen-year-old died when he shot himself at his home. Improper firearm storage, identification of suicide risk, and prevention programs were issues raised by this review.

June 12, 2002 - Legislation to create an improved child and family services system has been introduced in the Manitoba legislature. The historic process of changing the system has been led by the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry - Child Welfare Initiative AJI-CWI, which includes representatives from the provincial government, the Manitoba Metis Federation, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. The four new organizations created through the proposed act would be a Metis Child and Family Services Authority - a First Nations of Northern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority - a First Nations of Southern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority and - a General Child and Family Services Authority. --Not since the government of Louis Riel has the Province of Manitoba so thoughtfully shown support and recognition of the Metis people of Manitoba,-- said David Chartrand, president of the Manitoba Metis Federation. --This proposed legislation recognizes our distinct right and responsibility to care for our children in ways that are unique to our culture. For the first time in the history of child welfare services of this province, decisions regarding Metis children and families will be made by Metis people.-- Grand Chief Dennis White Bird of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs said --Traditional teachings tell us that children are gifts from the Creator and now First Nations will have full responsibility to implement our inherent rights. As the great Chief Sitting Bull said, -Let us put our minds and hearts together and see what we will make for our children.- Today marks a momentous occasion as the First Nations, Metis and province have achieved this vision.-- Grand Chief Francis Flett of the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak said --Under this new legislation, First Nations' child and family services agencies will, for the first time, be able to deliver services directly to our people off-reserve throughout the province. This represents a major advancement in the child and family services system in Manitoba.--

-- We want to ensure that our people who leave can maintain a connection to their communities and be entitled to the same programs and services available to our citizens on the reserve.-- Those words from AFN National Chief Matthew Coon Come testifying before the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples that is hearing evidence to help prepare an action plan for Urban Aboriginal Youth. He called on the Canadian government to recognize Aboriginal rights and the right to self government of First Nations. --the Assembly of First Nations is working to ensure that First Nations governments can represent the interests of all their citizens. This government, I believe, must work with us to move beyond the Indian Act and its colonial mentality to provide us with the tools to establish self-government powers for governments under the authority of section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Only then will we be able to begin to establish the institutions and programs that could ensure that all of our citizens are provided with the necessary programs and services for their well-being. Only then will we be in a position to provide our youth with the tools to start preparing for their futures and taking control of their lives. At the AFN, we believe on the one hand that we need to strengthen our communities so that people who want to stay can do so and enjoy a healthy quality of life. On the other hand, we want to ensure that our people who leave can maintain a connection to their communities and be entitled to the same programs and services available to our citizens on the reserve.-- Coon Come told Senators the AFN is working with the National Association of Friendship Centres on issues related to First Nations members who live away from their communities. Their needs are not being met fully in urban areas across Canada. AFN youth advisor Ginger Gosnell told Senators --Very little relevant work has been done on youth-adolescent specific research. What concerns me even more is the limited amount of youth-specific programs designed and delivered by First Nations youth and people. It is my personal belief that this is the biggest failing of many youth-specific programs that currently exist. Many programs in existence are designed using adult-based models - taking a program that was designed for adults and expecting it to work the same way for youth only adds to its failure.-- She pointed out the need for coordination of programs for Aboriginal youth. Currently it's a disaster she said --Our recommendation is a national collection of all Aboriginal youth projects and programs currently out there. This is because there is no knowledge of what is out there. We do not know if we are reinventing the wheel when it comes to projects and programs needed for Aboriginal youth. The majority of these programs end up crashing and burning, but who learns from that? There is no national Aboriginal youth organization out there that exists for others to draw experience and information from. However, if we learn what is out there; - if programs are working or failing - if they were designed by youth or adults - whom it means to serve, on reserve on in urban centres - if they were designed for youth in school or out of school -and how long have these projects and programs been in existence? -- In his closing remarks the National Chief recommended --as the standing committee gathers information on best practices and success stories, they should compile the information in a database that can be accessed by anyone who is looking for this information. There is a lack of information on youth programming that is working. The information would
fulfil a need by helping urban communities develop programming. The database should not just contain information that is program-specific.--

June 10-11, 2002 - Aboriginal People Stand United for Children and Families. At a historic and landmark provincial meeting hosted by the Ministry of Children and Family Development MCFD at Tsawwassen, BC, of leaders from the First Nations Summit Child Welfare Committee, Union of BC Indian Chiefs, United Native Nations, Metis Provincial Council of BC, Bands, Tribal Councils and service delivery organizations, Aboriginal People met to discuss and agree on a way to work together to assert their inherent right of governance over the lives of their children and families. The province called the meeting to seek direction on what responsibility Aboriginal People want to exercise over child and family services. Chief Stewart Phillip — President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, presented a comprehensive resolution that recommended the development of Regional Aboriginal Authorities as a necessary step towards asserting the inherent right to self-determination. Also, the resolution unequivocally calls for a series of Aboriginal authorities. Regional Aboriginal Authorities will serve to reduce the disproportionate numbers of Aboriginal children in care - currently at 43% of the child-in-care population. A news release said --This resolution was fully endorsed by the First Nations Summit Child Welfare Committee, Metis Provincial Council of BC, the United Native Nations, and the, Band/Tribal Governments, and a diverse range of local and provincial Aboriginal service delivery organizations such as the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents, and delegated Aboriginal child welfare agencies.-- The agreement will be known as the Tsawwassen Accord. Ministry officials were asked to inform Minister Hogg of this unanimous decision. --The Aboriginal community now requires a clear commitment from the Minister to work in partnership to develop and implement these Aboriginal authorities in a timely and respectful manner.-- The delegates made it abundantly clear that a blended Aboriginal-non Aboriginal authority model will not suit the diverse cultural needs of the Aboriginal communities.

June 9, 2002 - The President of the Native Women's Association appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on Aboriginal Peoples last week and talked about the need for better sex education and also made a point of acknowledging the violence against Aboriginal women in Canada. Kukdookaa Terri Brown highlighted the many challenges and barriers faced by Aboriginal females, she also acknowledged that --many young Aboriginal women are role models, businesswomen, scholars, artists, writers and mothers with careers, vision and knowledge.-- She told senators the challenges include --It is often the case that young Aboriginal women are deprived of an initial good start in terms of education and life skills because of poverty, sexual abuse, discrimination and lack of training, all of which leave women in a vicious cycle of low-paying jobs, abuse, addiction, prostitution, jail, poor health and limited options.-- The Senate Aboriginal Peoples Committee is holding hearings to find ways to create an action plan for Aboriginal youth. Brown explained --Aboriginal youth are over-represented in all statistical data that reflects a reality that is neither hopeful nor fair. We need to regain the vitality and resilience of our youth, if we want to build healthy communities, families and people. Our Aboriginal communities, both on-reserve and off-reserve, must invest in developing young leaders with a solid understanding of our values, customs, languages and governance structures. We must also acknowledge that Aboriginal youth represent a diverse population with different issues, concerns and cultural backgrounds. -- She explained that one of the biggest problems in Aboriginal homes and communities is the lack of qualitative sex education. Aboriginal children and youth are desperately in need of solid sex education. --A concrete result is the high rates of Aboriginal teen pregnancy, with many babies born with health problems and often taken into the foster care system. Many young Aboriginal women dislocating from reserve to urban centres are financially unstable and without positive frames of reference for themselves. This instability and lack of opportunity for employment and education result in women becoming vulnerable and involved in the criminal subculture. With the lack of social cohesion based on common family, community and shared values, many youth develop their own sense of self through the formation of gangs. Aboriginal youth are looking for someone to connect with and a gang of Aboriginal youth provides a -safe- place. Shared culture, racial experience and other forms of oppression lead them to find a -family- within the urban centre through the gang. A sense of exclusion based on race and income are common factors that lead to the sustenance of gang culture and activity.-- Brown's final words to the committee related to current events in Ottawa and Vancouver --I want to dedicate this session to the young woman who was found in the Ottawa River the other day. That kind of tragedy has become far too common among our people -- young women who are killed and never have the opportunity to grow, to achieve their goals in life and to have their dreams fulfilled. I would also like to dedicate this session to the missing women of Vancouver's lower East Side. Of those missing, 60 per cent were young Aboriginal women. We want to keep that in focus -- people are at great risk if we do not take any action.--

June 3, 2002 - Urban Aboriginal and First Nation reserve communities in British Columbia are moving toward full service child welfare agencies but the actual transfer faces many bumps in the road - not the least of which is the virtual dismantling of the Ministry of Children and Family Development MCFD and perhaps the eventual displacement of hundreds of government workers. The government's efforts to fast-track the transfer of services to Aboriginals has prompted the BC Government and Service Employees Union BCGEU to issue a statement of caution. The union --is calling upon the Campbell Liberal government to communicate and consult with all parties concerned to determine the final transition process. ... a well-planned and gradual transition in services that protects children and respects caregivers. ... First Nation agencies must be well supported and properly funded. -- The BCGEU called for -- a principled transfer of child protection services to aboriginal authorities.-- In echoing what Aboriginal community workers and leaders have said for years, the union said -- A properly funded and well-planned transfer process must be established to ensure children are receiving the best care possible. This must include on-going consultation with First Nations and the workers who are currently responsible for children in care. -- Union and MCFD officials have agreed to work together and are in favour of -- Establishing community-based transition teams that include local First Nations representatives, and local workers and managers to facilitate the transfer of files in a way that protects children and supports the capacity-building of First Nations organizations. -- This month community forums are planned to include First Nations and government workers and concerned community groups. The business of caring for Aboriginal children is huge in British Columbia. Consider the fact that at least 40 per cent of children in care are Aboriginal. In some areas of the province - especially the north, that number could be easily doubled.

The BC Aboriginal Child Care Society ACCS is currently recruiting for the position of Provincial Advisor for Aboriginal Infant Development Programs. The role of the Provincial Advisor is to contribute to the overall coordination, training, resources and support for infant development services to Aboriginal children and families in British Columbia. Responsibilities -Based in North Vancouver, the Provincial Advisor is the key point of contact and source of expertise and support for those practicing infant development with Aboriginal children, families and communities. Other responsibilities include · Developing provincial standards and guidelines for the practice of Infant Development with Aboriginal children and families. · Facilitating the development and delivery of program and in service training resources that are culturally sensitive and appropriate. · Promoting awareness about infant development, disability issues and the developmental needs of young Aboriginal children. · Participating in improving collaboration and integration among service providers and other stakeholders in Aboriginal early childhood development.· Designing culturally sensitive data collection tools and processes. · Assisting in the establishment of program goals, multi-year work plans, and an annual report. Qualifications · Degree or degree level training in field related to infant development, early childhood development, special needs education or supported child care plus a minimum of five years field experience. · Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal cultures in British Columbia and experience working with Aboriginal communities. · Proven capacity to work in a self-directed manner and to collaborate with others in a team environment. · Knowledge and experience in establishing working relationships with community organizations and government systems and services. · Excellent communication skills -oral, written and presentation. · Good computer skills including Microsoft Office, Internet use, and familiarity with data collection software -e.g., SPSS. The start date for this three-year position is July 2, 2002. The position offers competitive benefits and salary -up to $55,000 per year, commensurate with experience. Interested candidates should forward their resume and a cover letter by June 14, 2002 to Operations Manager, BC Aboriginal Child Care Society, 209 - 1999 Marine Drive, North Vancouver, BC, V7P 3J3. Detailed job description found at www.acc-society.bc.ca -Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

May 22, 2002 - British Columbia Launches Aboriginal Youth Project - Three-Prong Strategy for Sport and Recreation Leadership and Skill Development. Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services Minister George Abbott said the Aboriginal Youth FIRST -Futures in Recreation and Sport Training- will help young people develop leadership and life skills, establish role models, encourage youth participation in sport and has the potential to support the employment of youth in their own communities. Abbott explained --The Aboriginal Youth FIRST programs will prepare young people for their futures by developing skills in sports, recreation and adventure tourism, with a focus on community participation and individual excellence. -- This also will help create the expertise aboriginal communities need to develop and deliver recreational programs and services. The strategy will focus on rural communities, urban centres and athlete development. $400,000 will be invested over three years to bring local governments and the Federation of Mountain Clubs of B.C. together to train aboriginal youth from 15 communities for jobs in aquatic programming, backcountry guiding, community planning and adventure tourism. Terrace, Kitimat, Smithers and Prince Rupert will provide local community support and access to recreational facilities. The urban aboriginal youth program will focus on 10 to 14 year old girls who will benefit from life skills training, as well as the sport and recreation programs. the third prong of this Aboriginal youth strategy is the aboriginal Team BC sport excellence program. It's aimed at encouraging more young Aboriginal people to participate in sports and help develop B.C. athletes for the North American Indigenous Games.

Report on urban Aboriginal poverty - a wake up call for action by government and Aboriginal organizations.

The Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres released a report on Aboriginal child poverty, calling for an increase in the social assistance baseline, affordable housing and --While Friendship Centres do not necessarily have the mandate to operate as food banks, the reality is that they are met with increasing demands to play this role. Many are providing this service without the human or material resources that are required. Friendship Centres should be adequately funded to provide food, diapers and basic -over-the-counter- medicines to those families who are unable to pay for these necessities. This funding should be time-limited and linked to a larger strategy aimed at reducing child poverty through financial and social empowerment of Aboriginal parents.-- Among the many findings of the report is that Aboriginal youth in Ontario are plagued by the soaring rate of unwanted pregancies. --Provide immediate resources to address the crisis in Aboriginal teen pregnancy. Young parents and their children are particularly at risk of living in poverty. This issue is critical within the Aboriginal community given the high percentage of youth in the overall population. Communities must be given the resources to build capacity through the development of culturally-appropriate family planning programs and support services to young parents.-- The report says Aboriginal family support workers in Ontario are overwhelmed with responsibilities to do crisis management and intervention. This is interfering with their capacity to develop and run long term programs for parents and children. Family support programs need at least two full time workers so they can meet the crisis demands related to poverty, while at the same time deliver consistent and ongoing programs. --Enhanced program funds and staffing would allow the support workers to do some much-needed long term and strategic planning around poverty reduction, and to deliver interactive programs more frequently. -- Also included in the recommendations -- Expand the existing Aboriginal Community Action Program for Children CAP-C, Aboriginal Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program CPNP, Aboriginal Headstart, Aboriginal Healthy Babies Healthy Children HBHC and the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy, in order to address waiting lists for services to disadvantaged children, and to offset the demands placed on one-worker programs.-- Government is not the only target of this report's recommendations. It also calls on a coordinated effort by the Aboriginal community --Any work towards the elimination of Aboriginal child poverty will need to be grounded in cooperative work between all Aboriginal service providers, regardless of location or affiliation. -- It calls for the immediate start of collaborative work between First Nations, Friendship Centres and other urban Aboriginal service providers -- on the design, development and delivery of services to address poverty.--

New Democrat Marilyn Churley called on the Ontario government to work with urban Aboriginals to develop a strategy aimed at helping urban Native youth and families trapped in the vicious cycle of poverty. She wants the government --to commit to working with Native groups on a framework for health promotion and other supports that will help Native youth transcend the trap of poverty and hopelessness and reach their full potential. --

May 7, 2002 - BC Aboriginal Child Care Society gets the green light to establish an office of the provincial advisor for Aboriginal infant development programs. The BC Government approved annual funding of $145,000 aimed at strengthening First Nations' capacity and ability to develop and deliver services for their children and families. The Aboriginal Infant Development Advisor will be responsible for coordination, training, resources and support for infant development services to aboriginal children and families. Research shows that the early years in children's lives are critical to their health, growth and well-being, and lay the foundation for their success in school and as adults. There are 52 infant development programs throughout the province which serve children aged birth to three years, who have or are at-risk of developmental delays. The programs serve about 5,000 families a year - about 10 per cent are Aboriginal.

May 6, 2002 - Promises have not prevented an increase in child poverty in Canada. Putting Promises Into Action a Report on a Decade of Child and Family Poverty in Canada says generally one in five Canadian children experience poverty. However it says --Among Aboriginal children, whether living on or off reserve, almost one in two lives in poverty.-- The report says the federal government has inadequate child care policies and programs and cites the housing crisis and higher education costs. --The erosion of Canada's social safety net has had a particularly negative impact on those families that have historically experienced exclusion and disadvantage in society. In urban centres, the living conditions of many Aboriginal families continues to deteriorate. Families find that even their most basic needs for food, clothing and shelter are not being met. Aboriginal people are 4 times more likely to report ever experiencing hunger than the non-Aboriginal population. Many children in First Nations' communities do not have access to the essential public services that most people in Canada take for granted. Studies of basic infrastructure in First Nations communities conclude that 20 to 25 per cent of community water and sanitation services pose a danger to health and safety or are in need of repairs to meet basic government standards. Among all Aboriginal households owners and renters, an estimated one-third have -core needs- that is, their housing does not meet today's standards for adequacy, suitability and affordability. These households do not have sufficient income to afford rental accommodation that meets minimum standards, and they spend or would have to spend more than 30 per cent of their income to obtain adequate and suitable accommodation. Such rates of core-need among Aboriginal households are disproportionately high compared to the rate of 11 to 12 per cent of all Canadian households.--

May 3, 2002 - Federal task force on Canada's Urban Strategy recommends that the Government of Canada - Review the policy and planning process for funding of programs for urban Aboriginal people, and develop a more collaborative and coordinated approach with other orders of government to strategically fund and better deliver services and programs to Aboriginal people in urban areas. - Partner with other orders of government and community Aboriginal groups to find ways to lower poverty levels, provide employment opportunities and expand the stock of affordable housing for urban Aboriginal population, especially among youth. - Work with our urban partners to increase the number of pilot projects in selected urban centres as currently included in the Urban Aboriginal Strategy. - Encourage cooperation between Urban Reserves and surrounding urban regions. - Examine current policies and develop ways to target the special needs of the Urban Aboriginal population, including Metis and non-Status Indians. - Strengthen educational supports, in cooperation with First Nations, Metis and non-status Indians at post secondary levels to better meet the needs of Aboriginal peoples in urban centres.

April 30, 2002 - Kasohkowew Child Wellness Society loses delegated authority. 10year old boy drowns in foster home. Alberta government takes away child welfare power from Samson Cree Nation at Hobbema. The government cites the recent death of the child in a Red Deer foster home run by an agency contracted by Kasohkowew. It also pointed to a recent review that found incomplete files at the Society that was responsible for providing child welfare services on the Samson reserve since 1997. It is one of eighteen Aboriginal child welfare agencies in Alberta. The more than two hundred children in Kasohkowew's care now are being looked after by a non-Aboriginal agency Keystone Child and Family Services Authority.

April 17, 2002 - The death of a Samson Cree Nation child while in foster care has prompted a provincial court judge to call for sweeping changes to Alberta's foster care system. The recommendations were made as a follow-up to last fall's fatality inquiry into the death of two year old Korvette Crier. She was shoved to the floor by her foster mother because she couldn't put her own shoes on. The girl died from her injuries and her fister mother Deborah Anne Kambeitz was imprisoned for manslaughter. During the inquiry social workers testified they had concerns about cuts and bruises on the child, but because they were so overworked there was no further investigation. The judge called for more strict criteria for screening prospective foster parents - more communication between private agencies and the government and an overall review of Alberta's foster care delivery system. The judge said every effort should be made to place aboriginal children in foster care on their own reserves. Meanwhile, a Calgary lawyer has filed a lawsuit against the Alberta government on behalf of more than four hundred children maltreated while in the care of the provincial government in 2000-2001.

April 12, 2002 - Missing Women's Ceremony Statement by Kukdookaa Terri Brown President, Native Women's Association of Canada. I first want to send my sincere condolences to all the families who lost a cousin, an aunty, a sister, a daughter, and a mother. Second I want to thank all of you who have come out today to honour the spirits of the women and families. Without the many dedicated people working to assist the families and the police, we would not have seen the justice being exercised today. I applaud the Family Haven tent for being there and assisting family members. The Native Women Association of Canada does not wish to stop the progress into the on-going investigation. We want to see justice run its course. We applaud the long hours the police have spent on the investigation. We hope that more clues will surface which will lead to the other missing women. Any assistance from the public will help families such as Ernie Crey to find their lost loved ones. Should you have any information that could assist in the investigation we urge you to come forward. Your assistance could help find the suspect to these hideous crimes. Aboriginal women have been victims to such crimes for years, in Saskatchewan for example in 1992; Shelley Napope, Eva Taysup and Calinda Waterhen are all Aboriginal women who were victim of violence. In 1996 Indian and Northern Affairs Canada reported that, ---Aboriginal women with status under the Indian Act and who are between the ages of 25 and 44 are five times more likely to experience a violent death than other Canadian women in the same age category. -Aboriginal Women: A Demographic, Social and Economic Profile, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Summer 1996- -- The crime has not stopped and with approximately 1.5 million aboriginal people in Canada and half of that population being women, we have become prime targets and are the most vulnerable to such acts of violence. Today we see that more than half of the women missing from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside are aboriginal women. August 2001, in preparation for the World Conference on Racism I participated in a paper entitled. --Stop the undeclared war against aboriginal people.-- We found that killing and maiming of aboriginal women is not uncommon. Rather it is far too common to have women disappear, and killed without any investigation. We want to stop the undeclared war against aboriginal women. In the spirit of women, young, old, women of colour, white, native, we must work together in solidarity to find solutions for a better life for all women. We are calling on all national, provincial and local aboriginal organizations to take action on this issue. We must stop the violence. For years, women organizations have been lobbying government to get more money for women's services and programs. We would like to see more funds donated by government, organizations, and individuals to assist in the war against sexual abuse and violence on women. If you have any further questions you can call the Native Women's Association of Canada at 613-722-3033 or email alarge@nwac-hq.org. Thank you for your time.

March 31, 2002 - Members of the Metis community are rallying support for a Metis woman whose children were killed when their house was deliberately burned, resulting in murder charges being laid against the husband. We have been asked to relay this message on behalf of the Larson Family. As most of you know the six children who were murdered on North of Vancouver Island were the Grandchildren of Richard and Vera Larson of Salt Spring Island. They were also the Grand Nieces of Al & Linda Larson of Campbell River. Please do not send flowers. If you want to show your support and love for the Larson family please send letters or sympathy cards instead. There is also a trust fund in place for their daughter Sonja who lost her children in deadly the fire and all her belongings. Apparently there was no longer any insurance coverage on the property. To send letters or cards please send them to Al & Linda Larson 3046 York Rd. Campbell River, BC V8H1A4

March 30, 2002 - The BC Government is scrapping the Secure Care Act and plans new legislation to deal with sexually exploited youth and youth at risk. The government will focus on developing new legislation, to be called the Safe Care Act that will focus on sexually exploited youth through what Minister Gordon Hogg calls --a more efficient, court-based adjudicative process which will better protect the rights of youth.-- In a letter to stakeholders, including Aboriginal and First Nation organizations the Minister of Children and Family Development explained some of the proposed features of the new legislation, including --it will also feature shorter maximum periods of detainment. Existing legislation will provide the framework for individual consent for medical treatment. The system of services supporting the new Safe Care Act needs to be designed so that services to these vulnerable children will be delivered in a manner that is streamlined, effective and efficient,-- said Minister Hogg. The government's timeline includes --A discussion paper will be issued in fiscal year 2003/04 that will form the basis of detailed consultation with stakeholders, families, communities and the general public. We expect to bring forward new legislation in 2004/05, and implement a Safe Care system targeted to sexually exploited youth in 2005/06. -- Aboriginal caregivers believe Aboriginal statistics in various surveys are low and that the number of Aboriginal youth affected by any legislation would be significantly higher than had been previously forecast. Other concerns included -- Aboriginal youth are over represented in the youth-at-risk population. Involuntary detainment of a high number of aboriginal youth would echo the residential school experience of previous generations. The importance of consulting with aboriginal people in the development of the program. Aboriginal people wish to provide services and protection for aboriginal youth through their own agencies and organizations. Community leaders told government the legislation must Ensure that the unique concerns of aboriginal youth are considered and respected.--

March 6, 2002 - The Vancouver Aboriginal Child & Family Services Society VACFSS has entered into a delegation agreement with the BC Ministry of Children & Family Development. The Delegation Agreement establishes a process for VACFSS to become the first fully delegated urban aboriginal child welfare agency in Canada. VACFSS is an aboriginal community-based agency under the directorship of elected representatives from the Aboriginal community, which will follow child welfare professional practices while incorporating principles drawn from a variety of aboriginal cultures. VACFSS will be conducting an intensive recruitment campaign within the aboriginal community, looking to fill paid positions in the fields of child protection, child care resources and guardianship services. Hiring into these positions will occur over the next year. VACFSS will establish an eligibility list of successful candidates. Persons will be hired as the organization is implemented. Child Protection/Family Services Social Workers; Guardianship Social Workers; and Resource Social Workers. In order for VACFSS to hire the talent it requires, the agency encourages all interested individuals to forward their resumes and job preference to: Manjit Bains Human Resources Vancouver Aboriginal Child & Family Services Society 4th Floor - 210 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Y 3W2 FAX 604-872-6729 EMAIL: manjit_bains@vacfss.com or contact Alysia Scott at 604-872-6723 or email: alysia_scott@vacfss.com

February 13, 2002 - The BC Ministry of Children and Family Development has posted a Request for Proposals for the new Office of the Aboriginal Infant Development Advisor. The position has been developed in consultation with the Aboriginal community, the Policy tables, and key partners in the field of Infant Development. This posting will be of interest to Aboriginal agencies who have a sound knowledge of the Infant Development Program in BC, and who are interested in administering the Office of the Aboriginal Advisor. For more information, please see: www.bcbid.ca - Details of the RFP and how to register as a bidder. For questions about the RFP contact David Simon/Purchasing Commission, 250-387-7326, E-mail: David.M.Simon@gems9.gov.bc.ca

January 28, 2002 - A Vancouver, BC conference of Native health practitioners and social workers called on Canada to find the funding and other resources to launch a concerted campaign to drastically reduce all forms of risky behaviour among First Nations youth. A resolution from delegates to a First Nations Youth Anti-Smoking FNYAS conference called for more cooperation and integration of programs currently aimed at individual problems - such as underage smoking and drinking, substance abuse, suicide, and teen pregnancies - to make better use of resources and provide more effective help to youth. And it added that wherever possible they should be based, designed and run by First Nations communities, rather than government agencies and bureaucrats. FNYAS Chairman Harvey McCue said, --We've found that the most effective health programs are the ones designed and delivered by First Nations practitioners for First Nations peoples.-- Native youth programs in Canada are chronically under-funded, but three anti-smoking pilot projects funded by FNYAS last year in three First Nations communities clearly demonstrated how effective community driven action plans can be - with a little financial help. In one case, at Onion
Lake, Saskatchewan, the result was a reduction in youth smoking rates from 75% down to 25%, said that project's director, Terry Clarke. The project was so successful in building self-esteem, awareness and confidence among students that it saw them replace junk food and pop in school vending machines with healthy juices and sandwiches as a response to a serious diabetes problem among members of the Onion Lake community, said Clarke who added --Whether it is smoking, unhealthy diets, drinking, sexual activity - the root cause is the same - lack of self-esteem.-- While community-driven projects can go a long way, funding is needed to support them - and the conference called on the federal government to dip into its coffers to help pay for a national program directed at drastically reducing risky behaviour by Native youth. FNYAS is a program designed to assist First Nations peoples to address the health concerns of their communities. It is based on the principle that First Nations communities have the capacity and knowledge to develop and implement effective health programs among their youth. It is also an effort to confirm the value of a First Nations to First Nations initiative.

January 22, 2002 - Aboriginal groups and provincial government say public response indicates widespread support for proposed changes to Manitoba’s child and family services system. In addition, the feedback confirms the importance of recognizing the right of First Nations and Metis peoples to develop and control their own child and family services. -It is our belief that, as we develop an implementation plan, we have even more knowledge and wisdom, thanks to the many people who shared their thoughts, concerns and support,- said Manitoba Metis Federation President David Chartrand. -The consultations were both successful and invaluable and provide an excellent foundation to ensure the key themes are addressed in the implementation plan,- said Grand Chief Dennis White Bird of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. -We would like to acknowledge the individuals who participated in the consultations and played an active role in shaping the development of the the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry – Child Welfare Initiative AJI-CWI. Your opinions and recommendations will be given careful consideration in future planning,- said Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Francis Flett.

January 17, 2002 - Aboriginal communities to benefit from BC Government's civil service changes including more community delivered services. Creation of local governance structures.

Union and workers call it Black Thursday - but the BC Government calls it necessary restructuring. More than eleven thousand jobs will be cut and many programs chopped. However, a key message from the government is that local communities will be delivering more services rather than the province. For example - Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services - more delivery by communities and third parties and the creation of independent bodies, more accountability and performance-based funding. Staff will be cut by 37 per cent over three years. The announcement also promises an examination of all service agreements with aboriginal communities and develop a strategy to improve the delivery of services -health, education, etc.- to all aboriginal communities. Another example of the BC Government's radical surgery of the civil service is the Ministry of Children and Family Development MCFD where the plan is to make major changes including the creation of new community governance structures, including Aboriginal communities. -Examine opportunities for greater local delivery of family services. Government has approved the development of new governance and service delivery models.- -From centralized decisions and a fragmented service delivery system to enabling communities to develop and deliver services within a consolidated, coherent community-based service delivery system.- This includes further services being delivered by Aboriginal communities -From moving only child protection authority to Aboriginal entities to building capacity within Aboriginal communities to deliver a full range of services with emphasis on early childhood and family development.- Early childhood development services will remain a strategic priority of the ministry. Specific attention will be paid to Aboriginal communities in the areas of early childhood development and special needs children and youth. MCFD will see a reduction of 77 per cent of its positions. This includes nearly three thousand positions being transferred to new community governance structures. The MCFD plan includes greater coordination of services, something Urban Aboriginal community leaders pressed for -Develop a plan for aboriginal children receiving ministry services in cooperation with the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services. An interministry committee will be developing a plan in 2002/03 for coordination of provincial services.

January 8, 2002 - Ferry ride home to Kincolith First Nation village ends in death for Wenda Eva Jane Stewart - Prince Rupert New Year's Baby. Her parents Janice and Troy Stewart say the baby died after turning blue while on the ferry near Port Simpson, British Columbia. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of the baby's death.

December 14, 2001 - The answer is in the question - But for our children, what would our purpose be? Words shared by Chief Robert Joseph, co-chair of the Vancouver Aboriginal Council and Executive Director of the First Nations Summit Residential School Project at a historic signing ceremony held at the Friendship Centre in Vancouver to celebrate the Delegation Enabling Agreement for Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services VACFSS. The delegation agreement was signed with the Director of Child Protection. They're calling it a first in Canada - a fully delegated urban Aboriginal child and family services agency. The historic community event was made all the more festive with the help of the Tsimshian singers and dancers. For this unique gathering the theme of all speakers was a familiar one - it is for the children and future generations and we need to ensure we work together and set aside our differences to make it work. Speaker after speaker - Bill Lee, Executive Director of the Metis Commission for Children and Families, VACFSS Executive Director Stan Parenteau, MCFD Minister Gordon Hogg all referrred to the historic opportunity to change child welfare in BC so that Aboriginal children are kept in their families and communities and receive culturally appropriate services. Parenteau explained the agreement - allows the Aboriginal community to assume those same responsibilities ... not necessarily removing children from their families into care but trying to maintain a family unit and providing a cultural context to their services so that the children, when they're served by VACFSS are going to have a truer identity, growing up to be whole Aboriginal children with a sense of pride ... The differences will really be in the way we provide services, our service delivery will be different from how the ministry presently provides services and we're doing it in response to a community need and community consultations so the community is telling us what they want and how they want us to provide services to the Aboriginal community.-