The Residential Schools system is a blight on Canada’s human rights record. The Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recognises the damage inflicted on generations of First Nations people.
Here we explore the work of First Nations Child and Family Caring Society that stands with First Nations children, youth, and families for equal opportunities to succeed. Spirit Bear has become central to their work and embodies the reconciliation movement that represents the 165,000 children impacted.
This Charity Spotlight is a little different than others we have done. It came about after reading the excellent book Seven Fallen Feathers by Tanya Talaga. The book guided us to the work of the First Nations Children and Family Caring Society.
We featured the Secret Path graphic novel by Gord Downie & Jeff Lemire both in an earlier post and again as one of our 2016 recommended reads. The poignant Seven Fallen Feathers book delves into more of the context of the sad Chanie Wenjack story.
Spirit Bear
“Spirit Bear has become central to our work and embodies the reconciliation movement that is the heart of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society.”
Spirit Bear represents the 165,000 First Nations children impacted by the First Nations child welfare case at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, as well as the thousands of other children who have committed to learning about the case and have taken part in peaceful and respectful actions in support of reconciliation and equity. A more detailed explanation of the I am a Witness case is provided here. You can sign up there to support the campaign.
“My name is Spirit Bear, and my job as a ‘Bearrister’ is to help kids stand up for the fair treatment of First Nations children. As the kids tell me, ’just because we’re small, doesn’t mean we can’t stand tall’. But it’s not just kids that can make a difference – everyone can make a difference to work together until every First Nations child in Canada is treated fairly!” Spirit Bear- Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, BC
Have a Heart Day
The Have a Heart Day photos are an example of our work engaging children and youth in making a difference for First Nations children.
We encourage you to follow the F.N Caring Society on Twitter @caringsociety or First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada on Facebook.
Jordan’s Principle
Thank you, Gord Downie and Tanya Talaga for bringing this tragic history into our public consciousness. We do recommend that you read Seven Fallen Feathers by Tanya Talaga. You too will recognise why it was a finalist for the Writer’s Trust Prize for Non-Fiction.
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Images courtesy of First Nations Child & Family Caring Society