(COAST SALISH TRADITIONALTERRITORY / VANCOUVER – May 14, 2015) – The BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit and Union of BC Indian Chiefs fully support the findings of the Representative for Children and Youth, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond’s report Paige’s Story: Abuse, Indifference and a Young Life Discarded.
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs stated “It is beyond deplorable that we continue to have aboriginal children and aboriginal families falling through the cracks. Paige’s story is heart-wrenching. She was a child who never received the stability, encouragement and guardianship that she so desperately deserved. I unreservedly agree with Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, the system of care in BC is broken due to the professional indifference fostered by the ingrained institutionalized racism that discounts the value of some children’s lives due to their ancestry. ”
“What happened to Paige is absolutely tragic. This is yet another example of the collapse and failure of the existing social system that aboriginal people in BC are forced to deal with. Lessons must be learned from this heartbreaking case to ensure similar circumstances do not occur in the future. We fully support the report’s challenge to the Attorney General to charge those accountable for Paige’s death. The provincial government can no longer ignore their legal obligations and responsibilities regarding the care of aboriginal children. MCFD simply can’t afford to sit on another report. The government must take the necessary steps to implement the recommendations as the stakes are far too high, particularly when children’s lives are at risk,” said Cheryl Casimer of the First Nations Summit political executive.