NDP Accused of Putting First Nations Ahead Of Kids

NDP Accused of Putting First Nations Ahead Of Kids

Friday, September 15, 2006 at 15:23

Saskatchewan’s Children’s Advocate believes the Community Resources department is putting its relationship with First Nations ahead of children.

That conclusion was included in Marvin Bernstein’s review of the situation at the Oyate Safe House.

Bernstein says there was a slippage in service to Aboriginal children, which he attributes to the department’s heightened cultural sensitivity.

He says, at times, the department has been guilty of lowering its standard of care to accommodate Aboriginal people, who want a significant role in creating solutions for their children.

Bernstein says the skills needed to be a staff member at a safe house cannot be compromised for any agenda.

He also says the department risks the welfare of children simply to re-unite families, noting that type of practice has had disastrous results — a reference to the Baby Andy case.

(with files from the Saskatchewan News Network)