AMC-FNFAO Urges Collaboration with Province and Police Following Allegations Against Spirit Rising House
July 17, 2024
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs First Nations Family Advocate Office (AMC-FNFAO) urgently calls upon the Province of Manitoba and the Winnipeg Police Services to take decisive action in response to recent alarming revelations impacting vulnerable children in care. Disturbing reports and unsealed documents allege serious misconduct within the management of foster and group homes run by Spirit Rising House. These developments underscore a multitude of systemic issues that jeopardize the safety and well-being of First Nations youth in care.
“It is unacceptable that vulnerable children have been subjected to such egregious exploitation,” said AMC Deputy Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy. “The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the First Nations Family Advocate Office demand immediate and comprehensive action to ensure justice and protection for these children.”
The AMC-FNFAO is deeply concerned about the welfare of First Nations children and youth, who already face disproportionate challenges within the Child and Family Services (CFS) system. Recent disclosures have revealed shocking abuses, including sexual exploitation and financial mismanagement of Children’s Special Allowance funds intended for their care.
“First Nations Leadership must be involved in all areas that affect our rights, including those of our children. This requires that reforms and accountability measures be developed in collaboration with First Nations Leadership,” continued Deputy Grand Chief Kennedy. “It is crucial to protect First Nations children from further harm, and authorities must act swiftly to address these failures and ensure those responsible for such deplorable acts are held accountable.”
The AMC calls on the Province of Manitoba and the Winnipeg Police Services to collaborate with the FNFAO to co-develop a Youth Strategy that ensures the well-being and care needed for vulnerable First Nations youth in the CFS system. The AMC urges:
- Conducting a thorough investigation into the allegations against Spirit Rising House and holding accountable those responsible.
- Implementing immediate measures to ensure the safety and well-being of children currently in care.
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive Youth Strategy that addresses systemic issues within the CFS system, focusing on cultural sensitivity, accountability, and the rights of First Nations youth.
- Establishing transparent oversight mechanisms to prevent future abuses and ensure continuous improvement in care provision to vulnerable youth.
Additionally, the FNFAO stands ready to support the 34 youth impacted by this ongoing investigation, ensuring they receive the care and resources needed to heal and move forward from this situation.
“Our commitment is to advocate tirelessly until our children are safeguarded in nurturing environments,” concluded Deputy Grand Chief Kennedy. “It is imperative that these reforms are swiftly enacted to uphold the rights and dignity of First Nations children.”
If you need support or someone to talk to regarding this manner, please call the national, independent toll-free, 24/7 support line at 1-844-413-6649 to speak to a counsellor. The service is available in multiple languages, including English, Anishnaabemowin, Cree, Inuktitut, and French.
You can also access MKO’s Crisis Response Team at: crisisresponse@mkonorth.com or by phone 1-844-927-LIFE (5433).
Southern Chiefs Mobile Crisis Response Team can be contacted by: Toll Free #: 1-877-SCO-2880 (1-877-726-2880), email: CrisisResponse@scoinc.mb.ca The MCRT is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Hope For Wellness:
Toll Free Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
For anyone in need of resources, Klinic Community Health has a 24/7 Sexual Assault Crisis Line at 204-786-8631 or toll free at 1-888-292-7565. Klinic can also help with anyone wishing to make a third-party report of sexual assault, which means that survivors can report the sexual assault to a recognized third party, such as Klinic, and that crime is then reported by Klinic to the police without the survivor’s identifying information.
Reporting can also take place through Cybertip.ca
For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com
About the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of 62 of the 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Nehetho / Ininew (Cree), Anisininew (Ojibwe-Cree), Denesuline (Dene) and Dakota Oyate (Dakota) peoples.