The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) refers to inequities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children in  child welfare systems as a “growing crisis”. Enhanced understanding of the lived experiences of Indigenous parents and  caregivers’ interactions with the child welfare system in Canada contributes to a gap in the literature and is a step  towards truth, reconciliation, and healing. 

 

In collaboration with Aboriginal Legal Services, we aimed to:

(1) examine the  experiences of Indigenous parents and caregivers who have had contact with any child welfare systems including the  mental, spiritual, physical, and relational implications; 

(2) analyze the intersection of social determinants, being  Indigenous, and parent-children relationships; (3) strategically share the unique needs and challenges for policy and  practice implications through manuscripts, briefs, and webinars. 

​

Grounding in Indigenous methodology which values respect and reciprocity, we used semi-structured interviews (which are like kitchen table talks) with 20 Indigenous parents, caregivers and foster parents. We are completing the preliminary thematic analysis guided by the Medicine Wheel theory and teachings for interpreting the data. We will be publishing our preliminary findings in late 2024/early 2025.

 

There will be reports posted here (and in our Publications tab). We have posted videos on YouTube: Indigenous Scholars # 1 and Indigenous Scholars # 2.

 

This project was funded by Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children, SickKids Hospital – Leong Centre Catalyst Grant.

 

We anticipate further examining Bill C-92 and the work around current Indigenous Child Welfare issues and apprehension issues.