NDP calls on province to do more for Indigenous children in care

Saskatchewan’s approach to child welfare has failed Indigenous children according to the leader of the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party.

Saskatchewan now has the most children in care homes since 2008, and there has also been a steady increase of Indigenous children in care homes since 2012.

“ If you’re a First Nations or Metis kid you are more than 20-times more likely to wind up in foster care than any other child in the province.” said Ryan Meili, leader of the NDP.

Meili stressed that the province has done nothing to provide a poverty reduction strategy.

“ We are the only province that has no poverty reduction strategy whatsoever, it is time to change this.”

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Vice Chief, David Pratt, says there is a staggering amount of work needed to improve the issue.

Saskatchewan’s child advocate claimed there were 29 deaths of First Nations and Metis children in care homes last year.

“ I think one death is too much,” said Pratt.

Meili added that now is the time for the government to work with Indigenous leaders to develop tools and resources to solve this current problem.