The impact would be immense. We know there's a disproportionate number of indigenous children brought into the child welfare system, and we know this happens because of ongoing discrimination. It also happens because of a lack of services put in place. This money would allow us to continue to provide crucial services that would not only keep families together but also provide the tools and practices of well-being, which all parents need. In very real ways, this provides food security, parenting programs and healing opportunities for moms and children who have addiction issues connected to intergenerational trauma.
These are real, tangible items that are going to keep kids out of the system. That's the money we're asking for. It's very specifically for over 164 programs that are there to keep families together, and to keep them growing healthy together.