Something to ponder
Ensuring that every child has the chance to thrive is crucial when it comes to child welfare. This article explores two important topics: the application of Jordan’s Principle to guarantee Indigenous children fair access to services and the continuous work to improve child welfare systems across Canada.
A ground-breaking law known as Jordan’s Principle aims to ensure that First Nations children receive the public services they require without delay. The concept bears the name Jordan River Anderson, a little child from the Norway House Cree Nation who sadly died in a hospital due to disagreements about federal and provincial jurisdiction. According to this idea, jurisdictional disputes should be settled after the child’s best interests are met.
Communities around Canada commemorate Bear Witness Day on May 10th as a way to reaffirm their adherence to Jordan’s Principle. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the continued need to guarantee that Indigenous children have quick access to critical services in addition to honoring the memory of Jordan Anderson. The concept emphasizes the extensive effects of its application by including a wide range of services, such as social services, health care, and education. Go to the PSAC website to find out more about Jordan’s Principle and Bear Witness Day.
Even with great efforts, many children still have difficulty getting the support they need, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. The child welfare system still needs extensive reform because of systemic problems like underfunding, poor training, and ineffective bureaucracy. Proponents stress a number of crucial tactics for overcoming these obstacles.
Ensuring sufficient funding for child protection agencies is imperative in order to deliver comprehensive services. Enhancing case workers’ training programs and giving ample resources will greatly improve their capacity to address children’s needs. Giving local communities the tools they need to create and carry out specialized child welfare plans has produced encouraging outcomes.
Leading the charge in promoting child welfare and the rights of Indigenous children are a number of organizations. In accordance with Jordan’s Principle, the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society puts out great effort to guarantee that Indigenous children are treated fairly and equally.
People can support these initiatives in a number of ways. It is essential to disseminate knowledge regarding child welfare concerns and Jordan’s Principle. Volunteering and donations have a big impact on organizations that aim to improve child welfare. Also, it is imperative to advocate for policies that guarantee all children equitable access to services.
The path to a society in which each and every child is respected and safeguarded is a continuous one. All kids can have a better future if we support strong child welfare institutions and uphold values like Jordan’s. To do this, we must continue to advocate and work together.
Volunteers needed at the Indigenous Health Centre of Tiotià:ke!
You can find the sign-up form here.
History
On May 22-23, 2021, the first unmarked grave was found at BC Residential School.
Save the date
On May 20 is World Bee Day, and on May 21, there’s two international days: International Tea Day and World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. Let’s sip some tea while getting to know our neighbours.
Food for thought
How would Indigenous laws, if they extended to society as a whole, benefit everyone?
Resource: Home on Native Land, a ten-week course from Raven
A reminder
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Resources for dedication of Mohawk Bible Many Mohawk Bibles have already been delivered to individuals and communities of faith, with more on their way. The Living into Right Relations Leadership Circle has developed some ideas to help communities of faith dedicate their copies of the Mohawk Bible with respect and gratitude, including liturgical resources, video clips of Harvey Satewas Gabriel reading from the Mohawk Bible and other resources about the significance of this translation.
Download resources: Ohiatonhseratokénti, The Holy Bible in Mohawk (DOC) or (PDF)