FSIN Commerates National Child Day With Focus On First Nation Children

Thursday, 19 November 2009 18:00

(Saskatoon, SK) The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations joins the country on November 20th commemorating two significant events that recognize the rights of children. In 1959, Canada signed the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child; and the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.

“These two events mark a turning point for the rights of a child but still our First Nation children continue to live in poverty, suffer abuse, neglect. Many of them live in over crowded foster homes,” says FSIN Vice Chief E. Dutch Lerat. “The health of Aboriginal children is inextricably bound to the health of their mothers and their communities. We need to build healthier and safer communities because a healthier community will raise healthier children.”

Chief Norman Whitehawk of the Cote First Nation believes equality of all children is long overdue. “When we as accountable and responsible governments in Saskatchewan see discrimination against all children we should run toward equality and not inch toward it. Children are gifts from the creator they need to be protected and loved in a safe family environment.”

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.



For More Information Please Contact:
Mervin Brass, Executive Director of Communications
Direct: 306.956-1026
Cellular: 306.220-7187
Facsimile: 306.665.0115