17/02/2015. People living in more equal societies:

Transcription

1 Reconciliation: the Children s Version Wabano Health Centre, Ottawa February 18, 2015 Duncan Campbell Scott, Superintendent of Indian Affairs I am profoundly disappointed to note in Chapter 4 of this Status Report that despite federal action in response to our recommendations over the years, a disproportionate number of First Nations people still lack the most basic services that other Canadians take for granted. Sheila Fraser, Auditor General of Canada (June 2011) People living in more equal societies: Live longer Are better educated Have robust economies Live in safe/trusting communities Have lower rates of mental illness and substance misuse (Wilkinson & Pickett, The Spirit Level) 1

2 World Bank 2014 GDP rankings Canada 11 th Canada ranks 60 th in the world in terms of respecting children s rights Kidsrightsindex.org Jordan River Anderson Founder of Jordan s Principle Jordan s Principle Ensures First Nations children can access ALL government services on the same terms as other children Supporters Pictou Landing Band Council & Maurina Beadle v. Attorney General of Canada (T ) I do not think the principle in a Jordan s Principle case is to be read narrowly. The absence of a monetary dispute cannot be determinative where officials of both levels of government maintain an erroneous position on what is available to persons in need of such services in the province and then assert there is no jurisdictional dispute. Justice Mandamin, Federal Court, April 4,

3 Government of Canada (2009) Internal Report on Jordan s Principle FNIB presentation to AFN, January 2014, CHRC Tab 464 "While there are currently no outstanding jurisdictional disputes involving Jordan's Principle in Canada, we believe that the best way to ensure First Nation children and families get the support they need is by working with willing partners and continue engaging with provinces, territories and First Nations to collaborate on implementing Jordan's Principle." Spokesperson for AANDC Minister Bernard Valcourt, as reported on CBC Feb 10, 2015 Download your free copies at 3

4 I am a witness 66 million nights (187,000+ years of childhood) The time First Nations children on reserve in Canada spent in foster care between 1989 and 2012 Ontario: 10,372,012 ( ) Human Rights case alleges Canada s provision of child welfare is discriminatory pursuant to the Canadian Human Rights Act 25 witnesses testified over 72 days. Over 500 documents filed. APTN filmed all testimony and closing arguments Decision expected Spring 2015 #Witness4FirstNationsKids 13,703 Registered Witnesses Presentation by AANDC DG October 31, 2012 Option recommended AANDC webpage excerpt,

5 Necessary new investments not made: million AANDC reallocates over ½ billion to cover shortfalls in social and education August 9, 2012 Presentation to the Assistant Deputy Minister, AANDC Obtained via Access to Information (2015) AANDC internal presentation, CHRC Tab 413 The Caring Society and AFN have this case in the bag and I wish that new laws will be put in place protecting the rights of all First Nations children. Bradley Gauthier Secondary student who attended the final oral arguments October, 2014 Final Written Submissions, Attorney General of Canada,

6 Organize a walk in your community June 8-12, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada Jordan s Principle Cindy Blackstock, PhD: January 21,