Indigenous resilience, connectedness and reunification – from root causes to root solutions: A report on Indigenous child welfare in British Columbia
In this final report of the Special Advisor on Indigenous Children in Care, Grand Chief Edward John addresses the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in the British Columbia child welfare system by recommending 85 actions over ten areas for implementation. Providing a comprehensive view of the provincial child welfare system, the report highlights the lack of power Indigenous communities have had over child welfare practices. The report calls for a shift in the policy framework used in Indigenous child welfare to one aimed at resilience, self-determination and cultural connectedness. In order to help communities independently raise their children, Grand Chief John advises immediately addressing inequitable funding formulas and improving access to the legal services and prevention supports available to Indigenous families.