Child and youth advocate urges change: indigenous communities ‘must be heard’

Jun 22, 2017 | 2:15 PM

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — Newfoundland and Labrador’s child and youth advocate wants the province to put local communities at the heart of efforts to protect indigenous children at risk.

Jackie Lake Kavanagh says there’s a chance for a new approach to child welfare as the government reviews related laws.

She says aboriginal communities must be heard when it comes to culture-based solutions that consider historic roots of addiction and neglect.

Lake Kavanagh wants the province to build new supports that actively involve leaders and residents to increase long-term success.