CULTURE AND RECONCILIATION

Canada represents a rich tapestry of nations and cultures. Yet many minority groups lack voice, power or positive representation at the Canadian table. This is particularly true in child welfare where, for one example, the 2016 national census shows 52% of children and youth currently in foster care as Indigenous, though Indigenous nations comprise less than 3% of the population. In both the child welfare and justice systems Indigenous young people continue to be apprehended disproportionally. Research further shows that these young people are uniquely challenged by barriers to relational connection, more prone to have multiple foster care placements and less likely to return to their birth families. The history of Canada speaks to roots of cultural disconnection that have lead to our current cultural moment. The diversity of our communities and thus of their needs necessitates mutual sharing, learning, understanding and reconciliation.