The province has announced the details of the Inquiry into the Treatment, Experiences, and Outcomes of Innu in the Child Protection System.
Members of the Innu Nation gathered in the main lobby of Confederation Building today, dressed in orange with “Every Child Matters 215” printed on the back of their shirts.
Former Natuashish Band Council Chief, Simeon Tshakapesh was among the first to call for the inquiry after losing his son Thunderheart to suicide. Tshakapesh says the 16-year-old was never the same after being sent to Saskatchewan for rehab.
(File photo.)
Judge James Igloliorte will lead the inquiry as Chief Commissioner, with former Sheshashiu Band Council Chief Anastasia Qupee and Dr. Mike Devine also serving as commissioners.
Judge Igloliorte says while the inquiry will focus specifically on Innu children, it’s likely that they will be approached by other Indigenous groups to see what can be learned from their experiences.
Igloliorte, who is also working on the Ground Search and Rescue Inquiry, says that process should wrap up in November. The commissioners have already met and accepted their Terms of Reference, and they expect to work anywhere from 18 months to two years on the Inquiry.
Grand Chief Etienne Rich says today has been a long time coming. He says while some things have changed we continue to see the child care system have negative effects….however there have been positives, such as changes to child welfare legislation @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/J0qOSaQtgP
— Richard Duggan (@RDugganVOCM) June 10, 2021
