In an op/ed published by CBC today, Burchells lawyers Derek Simon and Roy Stewart analyze the Federal Government's actions in the face of the humanitarian crisis of Indigenous child welfare.
By fighting a compensation ruling, the government denies First Nations children justice — again
A landmark human rights ruling last month awarded compensation to First Nations children apprehended by on-reserve child welfare services. More Indigenous children have been removed from their families and are in foster care today than were in residential schools at the height of that system. Yet, while acknowledging Indigenous child welfare is a "humanitarian crisis," the Federal Government is challenging the ruling and resisting compensation.
Derek's and Roy's piece discusses the background of this issue, the chronic underfunding of on-reserve programs, and the systemic inaction leading to the current status quo.
Burchells LLP values its historic relationships with First Nations clientele. Ours is the region's largest Aboriginal Law practice, providing legal advice to Aboriginal Peoples throughout Canada since 1985. We have acted in most of Canada's leading cases involving the rights of Canada's Indigenous Peoples. Longstanding working relationships have given us the opportunity to learn the social and cultural values our clients prioritize when seeking legal advice, and to put those values into action.