Building Systems of Care: Restoring Balance in Child Welfare
by Broden Halcrow-Ducharme

For many Indigenous families, the child welfare system has been a constant presence, one that often separates rather than supports. These systems run deep, following the same patterns of control and disconnection that began with residential schools and continued through the Sixties Scoop. During that time, thousands of Indigenous children were taken from their families and placed into non-Indigenous homes, often losing their language, culture, and identity.

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Even today, too many Indigenous children grow up away from their families and communities. Although Indigenous children make up a small percentage of the total child population in Canada, they represent more than half of all children in foster care. This shows how deeply the system continues to fail Indigenous families.

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The current approach to child welfare was never designed with Indigenous families in mind. Provincial laws and federal funding often leave communities with little control over how their children are cared for. To change this, Indigenous child and family service agencies have been creating new systems that focus on prevention, family reunification, and cultural connection instead of separation.

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The passing of Bill C-92, An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families, in 2020 was an important step. It recognizes the right of Indigenous Nations to design and manage their own systems of care. However, many communities still face challenges like limited funding and slow support from government programs.

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Across the country, Indigenous-led agencies continue to lead the way. Some work under provincial authority while bringing in traditional teachings. Others, like the Nisga’a and Sechelt Nations, have developed their own child and family laws based on culture, responsibility, and collective care. These efforts show that when communities lead, families stay stronger.

The difference between a system of removal and one of care lies in its foundation. When communities lead, child welfare becomes about support rather than punishment. Family programs, kinship care, and community-based services help children stay close to home and connected to their identity.

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Actual change takes time and trust. It means ensuring that funding, laws, and leadership all work toward the same goal: keeping families together. It also means respecting the right of Indigenous Nations to create their own solutions grounded in their cultures and strengths.

Rebuilding child welfare is about more than policy. It is about love, connection, and responsibility. 

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Break the cycle.