The Matriarchal Circle of Toronto plays a vital role in supporting Indigenous mothers, grandmothers, and aunts who are involved with child welfare services, particularly in the context of the ongoing impacts of the Residential School system. This situation has led to a significant disruption of families across generations, with more Indigenous children currently entering Canada's child welfare system than during the peak of Residential School attendance. 

It is imperative for Canadians to stand in solidarity with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. We call upon the Federal Government to ensure that all Child Welfare Agencies and family court judges strictly adhere to the minimum standards set forth in Bill-C92. This legislation emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis families, contrasting sharply with the existing system that often prioritizes agency policies over familial unity.

Bill-C92 reflects essential values aimed at keeping Indigenous children within their communities, thereby safeguarding their cultural identity and heritage. Upholding these standards is not merely a legal obligation but a necessary step toward healing and justice for communities burdened by historical trauma. 

These standards should serve as a steadfast commitment for all agencies, marking a decisive end to the disruption of Indigenous families. Compliance with Bill-C92 is crucial in addressing the generational trauma faced by these communities. We urge everyone to support our call for mandatory adherence to these standards across all Child Welfare Agencies, as it is vital for the well-being of our children, families, and future.

Canada and its child welfare agencies are failing First Nation, Inuit, and Metis children by not adequately addressing the overrepresentation and inequality highlighted in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. Many non-Indigenous workers within these agencies exhibit bias against Indigenous families, often dismissing the genuine needs expressed by Indigenous parents and relatives. Instead of prioritizing the voices of those they serve, these workers cling to their own opinions and Ministry standards. Child welfare agencies should be dedicated to keeping families intact through culturally sensitive, trauma-informed approaches, rather than resorting to unjust removals based on misleading information from teachers, doctors, police, or anonymous sources.

The over-representation of Indigenous children in care is alarming, with 93% of the agencies reviewed showing significant disproportionality in admissions.

Matriarchal Circle of Toronto sincerely appreciate your commitment to amplifying the voices of First Nation, Inuit, and Metis families, who often feel hesitant to share their experiences with child welfare workers. Many of these families do not have legal representation, or they may be represented by lawyers who are not familiar with Indigenous legal issues.

We encourage you to sign and share the petition that seeks to tackle the disproportionate representation of Indigenous children and youth in both Canada's mainstream and delegated Indigenous child welfare agencies.