Coast Salish Traditional Territory/West Vancouver, B.C. –The First Nations Summit acknowledges the startling findings and welcomes the strong recommendations issued today by the Auditor General of B.C., John Doyle, and the Auditor General of Canada, Sheila Fraser, in their respective reports on Aboriginal child protection services.
“Combined,these reports reveal a startling picture of how the welfare of vulnerable Aboriginal children is often subjected to government whimsy. This is totally unacceptable. Both governments must move with the highest priority and extreme diligence to address the important recommendations and findings contained in these reports, which, among other things, found our children do not receive appropriate in-care services comparable to other children, nationally or provincially, said Grand Chief Edward John, member of the First Nations Summit Political executive.
“When it’s found that our children suffer and our families are unduly impacted due to systemic indifference, then this revelation is an embarrassment in this country. These reports have to persuade both governments to move quickly and to work meaningfully with our communities to address these vital issues,” added Grand Chief John