A decision that brings closure to a flagrant injustice against 163,000 First Nations Children

WENDAKE, QC, Jan. 26, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - After decades of flagrant injustices against First Nations children and families of our communities and nine (9) years of shameful proceedings by the Government of Canada, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal finally ruled in favour of the plaintiffs by recognizing that the Government of Canada discriminates against First Nations children based on race by its outdated, unfair and inappropriate policies governing child protection.

In February 2007, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada (FNCFCSC) and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) lodged a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission. It will have taken nine (9) long years of all kinds of hardships, millions of dollars squandered, and multiple attempts by the federal to dismiss the complaint, so that finally, the affected 163,000 First Nations children might see equality for everyone.

"It must be recognized that there is currently a larger number of First Nations children placed in foster homes than when the Indian Residential Schools era reached its zenith. Federal policies encourage the placement of our children, while the government knows the devastating effects of its policies and did virtually nothing to remedy the situation. This decision in favour of our children and finally starts a process to bring closure to this denial of justice", stated Mr. Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL. 

The decision confirms the calls for action launched by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, in addition supports the AFNQL Chiefs Declaration on the Rights of First Nations children. "The Tribunal's ruling is clear and Canada must act decisively to put an end to discrimination. We had proposed solutions again and again, but this time, Canada will have no choice but to listen to us", added Chief Picard.

About the AFNQL
The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec-Labrador is the political organization regrouping 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. www.apnql-afnql.com.

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador

Mélanie Vincent : [email protected], Cell. : 418-580-4442