VICTORIA, B.C. – In response to new government protocols that will endeavour to provide consistent and reliable support for Indigenous children in care, Sonia Furstenau, MLA for Cowichan Valley released the following statement:
“Creating a protocol to ensure that the Province and First Nations work together in order to improve the outcomes of Indigenous children in care is a positive step, but it is vitally important that we recognize the harm that has been perpetrated on Indigenous families and communities by the child welfare system.
“The separation of Indigenous children from their parents, some of them only hours old, is institutional racism in action. Improvements to the system are important, but until the system supports mothers and the healing of families, the cycle of removals and disconnection to culture and community will continue.
“The humanitarian crisis of Indigenous child apprehensions will not be stopped by tinkering around the edges of a very broken, non-evidence based system. The B.C. Green Caucus will continue to work tirelessly to prioritize this issue, amplify the voices of those affected, and support communities who are working towards solutions.
“Increasingly, Indigenous and First Nations communities are asserting their inherent rights and jurisdiction over their children. This government needs to recognize this, and end all colonial practices.”
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Media contact
JoJo Beattie
Press Secretary
B.C. Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 | [email protected]