Source: Government of Canada, Census 2021

The biography provided by the Federal Government of Canada speaks for itself. Indigenous children are 14 times more likely to be in foster care than non-Indigenous children. The ever increasing over-representation of Indigenous children in the child welfare system emphasizes the clear need for social change in policy and practice. One particular factor influencing this continuous colonial perjury of Indigenous peoples is the chronic underfunding of social services and programs available to on-reserve and remote communities.

As of July 11, 2024, the Assembly of First Nations, Chiefs of Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Federal Government of Canada reached a funding agreement regarding the reform of Child and Family Services in Indigenous communities. The funding agreement outlines a ten-year agreement providing 47.8 billion dollars of “stable and predictable funding over a longer period that fully supports a reformed program and accounts for the increased costs of services in remote communities.” (Government of Canada, 2024)

While this is a step in the right direction, the Government of Canada has made no guarantees on any funding reassessments or continuations after the 10-year long duration of the agreement, despite the promise for "long-term reform." Centuries of systemic and colonial damage to Indigenous communities and the mismanagement of child and family services and welfare will take far longer than a decade to mend, and considerably longer to reform in a way that substantially and efficiently supports Indigenous communities.

Do not let the Federal Government of Canada make any more empty promises to the Indigenous peoples' of Canada. Sign this petition to demand policy makers to amend the bill and guarantee long-term reassessments made on regular bases, sustainable and continuous funding, and a true promise of reform and reconciliation.