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Have a Heart for First Nations Children

I am a Witness- Human Rights Tribunal Background:

In 2007, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada (the Caring Society) brought a complaint against Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) to demand equity and culturally relevant child welfare services for First Nations children on reserves. The case was brought to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. In 2011, the chair of the Tribunal dismissed the case due to a legal technicality. In February 2012, the AFN and the Caring Society are appealing the chair’s decision and will be taking this case to Federal Court.

The Tribunal will take place February 2012 from the 13th to the 15th, at the Supreme Court of Canada at 301 Wellington Street in Ottawa, Ontario. The appeal is open to the public and the Caring Society encourages everyone to learn more and to take part in this historic event.

A way to show your support is to “Be a Witness” through our “I Am a Witness Campaign.” (www.fnwitness.ca). When you sign up and show your support, you will be joining thousands of other Canadians who have committed to follow the case and decide for themselves whether or not the government is discriminating against First Nations children and families.

Have a Heart- Get Involved- Spread the Word: The Have a Heart campaign invites individuals to support culturally based equity for First Nations children on reserve. On February 14th 2012, Valentine’s Day, the Caring Society encourages you to show your love, unity and compassion by engaging in respectful activities that support equity for First Nations children so that each and every child in Canada is treated fairly and can grow up happy.

The Have a Heart campaign encourages you to send a Valentine to your local MP or to the Prime Minister or Parliament members who are attending the Tribunal. The Caring Society has cards on their website to download or print. Cards are also sold in packages of 5 in either English or French – 3 for $25 or 1 for $10. All proceeds support the I Am a Witness campaign, Jordan’s Principle and Shannen’s Dream. Visit the Caring Society website for more information (http://www.fncfcs.com/have-a-heart).

You can also show your support by spreading awareness through your networks or through social media sites like YouTube, Twitter or Facebook.

So, we ask you, Have a Heart and get involved! Together we can ensure that First Nations children and youth have a better and brighter future.

First Nations Child and Family Caring Society • 251 Bank Street, Suite 302 • Ottawa, ON K2P 1X3 • Tel: (613) 230-5885 • Fax: (613) 230-3080

How can students stand in solidarity with Aboriginal children?

Write a letter to the Prime Minister


Send an e-card to the Prime Minister


Deliver your letter to the Federal court on Feb. 14

  • Join other students in making snow angels to show solidarity with Aboriginal children.

  • Email annie.atnikov@rogers.com if you would like help in finding funding for busing.


Attend the court hearing



Learn more and find other ways to get involved www.fncfcs.com

Shannen's Dream (PART 2 - First Nations' Education) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUK7pvjo4PY&feature=related


 

By Richard Deadman at 2012-01-22 20:37 | login or register to post comments | printer friendly version