Moving toward reconciliation in indigenous child welfare

Area of Science:

• Indigenous child welfare
• Reconciliation studies
• Social justice in Canada

Background:

• The historical context of child welfare in Canada has deeply impacted Indigenous communities.
• Existing child welfare systems often lack cultural relevance and perpetuate systemic discrimination.
• A need exists for Indigenous-led approaches to child welfare reform.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Touchstones of Hope reconciliation movement in Canada.
• To outline the principles guiding Indigenous child welfare reform.
• To demonstrate how reconciliation processes can reshape child welfare outcomes.

Main Methods:

• The article describes a reconciliation movement grounded in the Touchstones of Hope principles.
• It involves a process of truth-telling, acknowledging, restoring, and relating.
• Collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals is central.

Main Results:

• The Touchstones of Hope principles (culture and language, self-determination, structural interventions, non-discrimination, holistic approach) guide the reconciliation process.
• Culturally relevant concepts of child welfare have emerged.
• Plans for child safety, led by Indigenous peoples, have been developed.

Conclusions:

• The Touchstones of Hope movement offers a framework for reconciliation in Indigenous child welfare.
• Indigenous-led initiatives are crucial for developing effective and culturally appropriate child welfare systems.
• Collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples can lead to transformative change.