Shining Mountains Living Community Services: Project Number: 1397-AB
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Flora Kallies
Dolores Gadbois
Description
Description and evaluation of project designed to provide culturally-based therapeutic environment for families at risk for involvement with child protection services. Sources of information include project files, Aboriginal Healing Foundation Supplementary Survey, and key informant interviews with project team and selected community service providers.
Discusses the oppressive nature of child welfare systems as they relate to the criteria for "good" mothers imposed by dominant, Western cultural values.
Discussion of the difficulties involved in delivering culturally relevant programs while operating under policies and legislation determined by provincial governments. Highlights the Caring for First Nations Children Society Aboriginal Social Worker Training Program, the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry-Child Welfare Initiative, Social Work Program at the University of Manitoba and the Yellowhead Tribal Services Agency as examples of successful innovations.
Argues that while authorities claim that focus is on well-being and family, state child protection is based on colonial and racist mentalities which prevent real systemic change.
Reviews child welfare models in Canada, New Zealand and the USA., and reports issues relevant to delivery of child welfare services and juvenile justice issues.
File contains a discussion paper by Gay Caswell, a former MLA and consultant with Caswell Consultants of Saskatoon. Caswell is "here to argue that a very appropriate place for Aboriginal self-government is in the area of social services, in particular child welfare protection." Following Caswell's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with her.
The file contains an open forum presentation by Carol Hopkins. Hopkins, an Anishnabeh woman, discusses adoption issues, jurisdiction over children, and related issues.
The file contains an open forum presentation by Stephen Hall. Hall discusses his personal views on education, the James Bay Agreement, and cross-cultural adoption.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Description
RCAP 150 contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This portion includes opening remarks from Elder Vincent Stogan, Elder Ken Harris and assembled commissioners Co-Chair George Erasmus and Viola Robinson.
The file contains a general discussion of participants on suicide issues. Chairperson Maggie Hodgson facilitates a discussion between previous presenters and attendees Roda Grey, Diana Delorme, Sharon Jinkerson, Arnold Cheechoo, Adamie Sallualuk, and Caroline Ennis. Grey and Jinkerson's presentations are available for viewing elsewhere on this site. Issues discussed include language accessibility of suicide prevention services, assistance for non-status people, physical and sexual abuse, adoptive and foster parenting issues, and counsellor burnout.
The file contains the presentation of a discussion paper by Elder Margaret Harris. Harris discusses her experiences as a foster parent and the importance of listening to the teachings of one's elders.
The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Social Development by Charlene Belleau, Ralph Phillips, and Bob Manuel. The presenters discuss social development as a necessary precondition of land claims and self-governance. They discuss the need to address the social damages inflicted by residential schools and foster homes, dealing with drug and alcohol abuse. Commissioner Sillett discusses some of the issues raised with the presenters.
The file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This part includes a presentation by Stephanie Sandy concerning the Native child welfare system.
This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This portion includes presentations made by Lizabeth Hall on adoption and reunification, Sherry Small on Bill C-31 and rights of Aboriginals under the Indian Act and Dennis Fletcher on B.C. Native Housing. Also included are questions from the assembled commissioners Co-Chair George Erasmus and Viola Robinson.
Looks at how Canada's child welfare system, as part of a colonial ideology, reflects mainstream perspectives which are in conflict with Aboriginal values and traditions.