OACAS Celebrates National Aboriginal Day and Recommits to Bettering Outcomes for Aboriginal Children in Ontario

TORONTO, June 20, 2014 /CNW/ - As National celebrations are held to mark National Aboriginal Day on June 21, 2014, the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies (OACAS) and Children's Aid Societies (CASs) across Ontario, join First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and partners to acknowledge and recognize the unique heritage, culture, contributions and sacrifices of Aboriginal individuals and communities.

This is a time for Ontario's Child Welfare Sector to reflect on its role during a time in Canadian history when large numbers of Aboriginal children were taken into care, severing the connection between children and their parents, community, and culture over many generations. OACAS and CASs across Ontario have since, and over time, embarked on a journey of acknowledgement and reflection, working to advocate for an equitable and respectful system of care and services for the Aboriginal communities they serve and support.

Karen Hill, Director of Aboriginal Services of the OACAS said: "To help achieve better outcomes for Aboriginal children and their families in Ontario, OACAS and Ontario's CASs have and will continue to invest in and institute initiatives to support Aboriginal children, youth and families to address their specific needs." In recognition of National Aboriginal Day, OACAS and Children's Aid Societies across Ontario, recommit to support and collaborate with Aboriginal communities in bettering the health, well-being and life chance of Aboriginal children in Ontario. "The journey is by no means complete, but we remain committed to its pursuit," Ms Hill said.

About the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies: Since 1912, OACAS has represented Ontario's Children's Aid Societies in Ontario and provided service in the areas of government relations, communications, information management, education and training to advocate for the protection and well-being of children. http://www.oacas.org

SOURCE: Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies

Tanzeem Parkar, Communications Advisor, [phone] or [email protected]