/R E P E A T -- Media Advisory - Third Feathers of Hope draws First Nations youth to address crisis in Ontario's child welfare system/

THUNDER BAY, ON, May 13, 2015 /CNW/ - The over-representation of First Nations youth in the child welfare system is a key topic for discussion at the next Feathers of Hope youth forum.

It is estimated that the number of Aboriginal children in care today is more than at the height of the Indian Residential School period (during the 19^th and 20^th centuries). As of 2010, it is estimated that there were 27,000 Aboriginal children in care in Canada despite representing a small percentage of the total child population.

More than 100 youth from First Nations communities from across Ontario (ages 15-29) will meet in Thunder Bay to discuss their experiences with the child welfare system and participate in workshops to discuss the following themes: culture; services; transitions within the child welfare system; and education.

At the end of the forum, youth will present their ideas for improving the child welfare system at a listening table attended by representatives from the municipal, provincial and federal governments; First Nations leadership; the child welfare system and others.

A Feathers of Hope forum focused on child welfare was one of the recommendations made by youth in the Feathers of Hope Youth Action Plan, released in 2014.

What:	"Feathers of Hope: Child Welfare" youth forum
When:	Official opening ceremonies on Wednesday, May 20 from 9:00-10:30 am
	Closing listening table on Friday, May 22 from 1:00-5:00 pm
Who:	Irwin Elman, Ontario's Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth
	Youth Amplifiers, Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth
	Mr. Perry Bellegarde, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations
	Mr. Stan Beardy, Ontario's Regional Chief
	The Honourable David Zimmer, Ontario's Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
	Mr. John Rafferty, MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River
	Ms. Carolyn Bennett, MP for St Paul's and Liberal Critic for Aboriginal Affairs
	David Langtry, (A) Chief Commissioner for the Canadian Human Rights Commission
Where:	Best Western Nor' Wester Hotel and Conference Centre
	2080 Hwy 61, Thunder Bay ON P7J 1B8
	Thunder Bay, Ontario

SOURCE Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth

or to arrange an interview, contact: Eva Lannon & Associates, 416.300.9721 or [email protected]