Decolonizing Care

The harm experienced by BIPOC mothers and birthing parents as a result of family policing needs to be centered at the core of work to abolish these structures of violence.

Populations that have been intentionally targeted through white supremacy and Colonial racism have already experienced the multigenerational stripping away of culture and identity.

The severing of familial bonds and community connection that results from child apprehension are compiled upon decades of systemic destruction of culture and spirit.

PACK unapologetically centers Indigenous families in recognition of these truths.

No More Empty Cradleboards!

The Legacy of Colonialism in Family Policing

Colonialism has left a profound impact on family structures and community dynamics. The imposition of foreign legal systems disrupted traditional family practices and governance, leading to a legacy of mistrust and disconnection from cultural roots.

Disruption of Traditional Family Structures

Colonial powers often disregarded Indigenous family systems, imposing their own legal frameworks that did not account for cultural differences. This disruption has had lasting effects, contributing to the breakdown of community cohesion and support systems.

Systemic Biases in Family Policing

The biases inherent in family policing systems can often be traced back to colonial attitudes. These biases manifest in various ways, including:

Disproportionate Surveillance: Families from marginalized communities are often subject to increased scrutiny.
Cultural Misunderstandings: Lack of cultural competency among social workers, lawyers and judges can lead to misinterpretations of family dynamics.
Inadequate Support Services: Families in need of support may find that available services do not align with their cultural values or needs. Intergenerational trauma can mean that familial supports are already struggling with their own personal past harms, this can impact availability to provide support to younger generations.

Indigenous Families at Risk-

In Canada, Indigenous children are significantly overrepresented in the child welfare system. According to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Indigenous children make up approximately 30% of children in foster care, despite representing only 7% of the child population. This disparity reflects a historical pattern of colonial policies aimed at assimilating Indigenous peoples, which continues to affect families today.

Recognizing the impact of colonial injustices is the first step toward reforming family policing systems.

Here are several strategies that can be employed to create a more equitable system.

Promoting Cultural Competency

Training for social workers, and MCFD staff, police, lawyers and other professionals involved in family policing should include cultural competency education. This training can help practitioners understand the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities and promote more equitable outcomes.

Community-Based Solutions

Empowering communities to develop their own, Indigenous led solutions to family issues can help restore trust and improve outcomes. Community-led initiatives can provide culturally relevant support services that align with the values and needs of families and community..

Policy Reform

Advocating for policy changes at both the local and national levels is crucial.

This includes:

-Revising Child Welfare Policies: Policies should be evaluated for their impact on marginalized communities and revised to reduce biases. Policies should be reformed with the guidance and inclusion of people with lived experience and reflect decolonization priorities.

-Increasing Funding for safe, Indigenous led support services: Ensuring that families have access to adequate resources can help prevent unnecessary interventions, this must include resources to support birthing parents at risk from gender-based violence.

Engaging in Dialogue

Open dialogue between policymakers, community leaders, and affected families is essential for understanding the complexities of family policing systems. This dialogue can lead to more informed decisions and policies that reflect the needs of all families.

The Role of Advocacy Groups

Advocacy groups play a vital role in addressing colonial injustices within family policing systems. These organizations work to raise awareness, provide support, and push for systemic changes.

Conclusion

Addressing colonial injustice in family policing systems is a complex but necessary endeavor. By recognizing the historical context and its ongoing impact, we can begin to create a more just and equitable system for all families. It is crucial to promote cultural competency, support community-led initiatives, and advocate for policy reforms that prioritize the needs of marginalized communities.

As we move forward, it is essential to engage in open dialogue and collaboration among all stakeholders. Together, we can work towards a family policing system that truly serves the best interests of every child and family, free from the shadows of colonial injustice.

Creating Change
Indigenizing Family Support

When it comes to assisting parents outside of the family policing system and committing to decolonizing family supports- It is vital that Indigenous communities take the lead and directs the solutions and resources for their people.

Community coming together and fostering cultural identity in young children

immerses them in their culture and language within a nurturing environment that promotes the concept of extended family,

Children are a gift from the Creator and after generations of families pulled apart and forced to assimilate into foreign cultures- putting the care and effort into supporting Indigenous families will help heal past wounds and restore Indigenous culture and identity. It is an investment in the future of self sufficiency for Indigenous people and for healing hearts and bonds.

Below are some examples of Indigenous family supports-

Parent Cricles

Arranging community-based parent circles where parents can gather to share experiences and learn from each other, give and receive support when facing challenges and share in the joys of raising young ones. Parent circles can also help support each other through childcare co-ops where parents trade time and energy to help watch each other's children

Community Care

Creating a network of local and willing aunties and neighbors who can volunteer their time to do regular in-home visits for new parents to give them advice and support and ideally help out with some needed household upkeep and tasks. Community organizing to support parents and families can also help reflect on new and innovative ways to offer support..

Cultural Identity

Connecting both parents and children to cultural practices can help parents feel they belong to something safe, secure and sacred. Local Elders and knowledge keepers can host discussions and workshops with storytelling and connection to language and tradition. Helping families build a solid sense of identity