Innu Children’s Future at Stake | Calgary News

After four grueling years, the public inquiry into how Innu families have been treated by Newfoundland and Labrador’s child protection system is finally closing its doors — but the wounds run deep. Testimonies from families, elders, and social workers revealed how colonial policies, like forcing nomadic lifestyles into permanent settlements, created lasting trauma that still haunts the system today. Innu children have been disproportionately removed, aging out with little support, losing culture and battling mental health and addiction. Closing submissions were emotional — one lawyer wept, insisting true success won’t be measured by reports or promises, but by whether Innu kids grow up safe and rooted in their identity. The province admitted failures, citing the tragic deaths of six youth in Natuashish and acknowledging the broken “fly-in, fly-out” model. While federal legislation in 2019 affirmed Indigenous jurisdiction over child protection, true Innu-led reform remains distant. The final report, due by October, holds the promise of healing — not just fixing systems, but restoring dignity and belonging for Innu children. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/46e74860ef29a6a2