posted March 3, 2010
New Brunswick Ombudsman Bernard Richard released vital report on First Nations child welfare. Culturally based equity in child welfare services are vital to improving children's wellbeing.
Learn more here www1.gnb.ca/cnb/multimedia/display-e.asp?ID=2379&num=1
posted March 4, 2010
INAC's top official on child welfare, Odette Johnston takes the stand at child welfare tribunal
Odette Johnston, INAC's top official on child welfare was cross examined on Friday February 26, 2010 on her affidavit in support of Canada's application to derail the tribunal on First Nations child welfare. She confirmed knowing of the Auditor General's (AOG) report but was not sure if the Auditor General had concerns about INAC funding program. She confirmed that the Auditor General's report is not a key driver in INAC's work and that INAC has moved forward with only two recommendations (reporting back on their progress and they have made the decision to leave the definition of culturally appropriate to First Nations). There appears to have been no progress in addressing the inequalities identified in the AOG report. This is surprising given that Ms. Johnston heads the division that prepared government's responses that appear in the Auditor General's report.
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posted March 4, 2010
Amnesty International releases
new report calling on Canada to accept the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and provide equitable funding for First Nations Child Welfare
Read the report---
posted March 8, 2010
Ontario Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth releases annual report noting inequities in First Nations child welfare.
Read more here.
