Statement - A step closer to compensating First Nations children and families as Federal Court hearing begins today

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 23, 2023 /CNW/ - The Minister of Indigenous Services, Patty Hajdu, and the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Gary Anandasangaree, issued the following statement today:

"Today is an important day for First Nations children and families and for all of Canada.

For too long, First Nations children and families suffered from the underfunding of Child and Family Services on reserve. Although nothing can make up for the damage and suffering this caused, Canada has to offer compensation and support healing.

This should never happen again. We are working on a comprehensive reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services program so that every child in this country can have a fair chance at reaching their full potential.

This agreement is the result of tireless work from First Nations leaders. Their advocacy on the rights of Indigenous children and families is pushing Canada to do better and moves us forward on the path to reconciliation. They are showing tremendous courage and their dedication is an inspiration to us all. We want to offer special thanks to the Assembly of First Nations, Moushoom and Trout class action plaintiffs and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society – amongst others – for their significant contribution to right historic wrongs."

We recognize that this week will be a very difficult time for many First Nations children, families and communities, as they hear about and recount their own personal experiences with the child and family services system. Mental health support workers will be on-site at the hearing, and the Hope for Wellness Help Line, which provides immediate, toll-free telephone and online-chat-based support and crisis intervention to all Indigenous Peoples in Canada, is always available. This service is available 24/7 in English and French, and upon request in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Counsellors are available by phone at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.

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SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada

media may contact: Zeus Eden, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services, [email protected]; Joanna Sivasankaran, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, [email protected]; Media Relations, Indigenous Services Canada, 819-953-1160, [email protected]; CIRNAC Media Relations: [email protected], 819-934-2302