TORONTO, June 21, 2017 /CNW/ - In 1996, June 21 was officially proclaimed by Canada as National Aboriginal Day; in the 21 years since, there is still much work to be done to address the deep colonial roots of inequity faced by far too many Indigenous people in this country. As the Ontario Child Advocate, I promise the children and youth of this province that my office will continue to stand with you in helping you to create the safer and healthier communities you have told us you want – for yourselves, your families and your nations.
But today is a day of celebration; a celebration of culture, identity and, most importantly, the knowledge that you belong to nations of peoples of Turtle Island for time immemorial. As you begin the journey to healing and reconciliation, I am proud to stand with you and offer wishes to you, your kin and your nations of a day filled with ceremony and celebration on this National Aboriginal Day.
Irwin Elman
Ontario Child Advocate
About the Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth
The Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth (the Advocate's Office) reports directly to the Legislature of Ontario and provides an independent voice for children and youth, including children with special needs and First Nations children. The advocates receive and respond to concerns from children, youth and families who are seeking or receiving services under the Child and Family Services Act and the Education Act (Provincial and Demonstration Schools). The Provincial Advocate may identify systemic problems involving children and youth, conduct reviews and provide education and advice on the issue of advocacy and the rights of children.
The Advocate's Office can also conduct investigations and make recommendations to improve children's aid society services and services provided by residential licensees where a children's aid society is the placing agency.
The Office is guided by the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and has a strong commitment to youth involvement. For more information, visit: www.provincialadvocate.on.ca. For updates, read the Advocate's Blog and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
SOURCE Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth
Media Contact: Akihiko Tse, Communications, Media Relations Coordinator, (416) 325-5994, [email protected], Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth
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