According to Census 2016, Indigenous children represent 52.2% of children in foster care in private homes in Canada, despite accounting for only 7.7% of the overall population of children under 15. In addition, the first five Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada relate to child welfare, including Call to Action #4 which calls “upon the federal government to enact Aboriginal child-welfare legislation”.
Therefore, the adoption of Bill C-92 represents a new chapter in the history of Canada and its relationship with Indigenous children, youth and families. It is designed to improve the health and well-being of generations of Indigenous children and youth to come.
In this video Indigenous Perspectives Society Associate Director, Connie Martin, explains the key concepts of the new legislation: