The Cree Youth Protection Commission in Nemaska from Nov. 6 to 9

November, 2 2023

The Cree Youth Protection Commission will visit Nemaska from November 6 to 9, 2023.

Last september, the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay (CBHSSJB) and the awash uschiniichisuu shikascheimuun Task Force have launched the community consultations of the aah chishtipistihch-uschiniichisiu sikischaayimuwiniyiu that are currently taking place across Eeyou Istchee. The goal is to strengthen Cree culture, traditions and family values and adapt Youth Protection services

Chaashtipishtihch/commissioners, Bella M. Petawabano and Lorraine Spencer are leading the process.

Through their work and consultations, they hope to gather community members, community partners and stakeholders’ ideas to better understand the roots of the problem, how to strengthen collective efforts, restore, and reshape how communities and the CBHSSJB care for all their children. The scope of their work will bring them to learn from the past, what has worked for the Crees, learn the history of what happened to them, and how colonization has affected Indigenous children. Ms. Petawabano and Ms. Spencer hope that their work will help redress the welfare of Cree children, families and communities.

The Commission is a unique opportunity for Eeyou Istchee to come together, share ideas and make a positive difference on Youth Protection Law and Youth Criminal Justice matters; delivery of services; collaboration with local and regional partners; foster care for children, group Homes and youth healing services; and Cree ways of healing for children, youth and families.

Contact the commissioners: 18TCR.CreeYPCommission@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

Website: https://www.creeyouthprotectioncommission.ca/