In 2017, the Ontario Child Welfare sector unanimously agreed to prioritize reconciliation with Indigenous communities through nine key commitments created as a direct response to implement TRC Calls to Action 1 - 5 (see 94 Calls to Above).
Each Children’s Aid Society (CAS) has committed to:
- Reduce the number of Indigenous children in care.
- Reduce the number of legal files involving Indigenous children and families.
- Increase the use of formal customary care agreements.
- Ensure Indigenous representation and involvement at the local Board of Directors.
- Implement mandatory Indigenous training for staff.
- Change their inter-agency protocol to include Jordan’s Principle as a fundamental principle.
- In consultation with the Indigenous communities, develop a unique agency-based plan to better address the needs of the children and families from those communities
- Continue to develop relationships between their agency and the local Indigenous communities
- Assist those individuals wanting to see their historical files by accessing and providing the information they request.
In October of the same year, the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) acknowledged and apologized for the harmful role child welfare has played historically, and continues to play, in the lives of Ontario Indigenous children, families, and communities.