Indigenous child welfare is a part of my family and is shaping my vote

This First Person column is the experience of Jolene Saulis Dione, who grew up in New Brunswick and now lives in Ottawa. For more information about CBC's First Person stories, please see the FAQ. 

Motherhood holds many wonders, but perhaps one of the greatest is having deep, meaningful conversations with all children. These aren't the everyday chats that involve them calling me "bruh," but rather the moments when they set aside their phones and gaming consoles to truly connect.

Over the past year, my 12-year-old, in particular, has developed a keen interest in social sciences, history and politics. This has led to profound discussions and complex questions that challenge me to provide thoughtful answers — though she still manages to roll her eyes when I suggest she read a book instead of watching TikToks.

On a recent car ride home from school, we talked about the upcoming election and what it could mean for Indigenous peoples particularly children. Gwen asked, 'What about all the Indigenous children still in foster care, Mom? Why aren't governments doing more to protect them and ensure they're cared for?' 

It hit close to home. Our family holds deep roots in Tobique First Nation and Kahnawà:ke (my husband's community) — a source of immense pride that also comes with the responsibility of being honest with my daughter about Canada's dark history and its lasting impact on Indigenous peoples. My father, Mac Saulis, went to an Indian Day school, where he endured both physical and emotional abuse. My grandparents, too, were compelled to attend day schools.

• Residential schools, day schools, day scholars: what you need to know
• PM says he will apologize for First Nations child welfare discrimination
• Canada discriminates against children on reserves, tribunal rules
• First Nations leader calls Manitoba a 'child apprehension machine'

My father went on to work in social work for nearly 35 years, first on reserve and later as a professor. He played a key role in Indigenizing social work programs, incorporating traditional knowledge, values, practices and healing methods into the curriculum. 

Even closer to home, I have two First Nations adopted brothers who were part of the foster care system, and their remarkable stories of overcoming trauma inspire me every day.

Professionally, I spent seven years working as a public servant to support positive reforms in Indigenous child welfare. A highlight of my career was contributing to the development of C-92: The Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Children, Youth and Families, which empowers Indigenous communities to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services.

• Supreme Court declares Indigenous child welfare law constitutional
• Indigenous groups stand strong in face of landmark child welfare law before Supreme Court

Despite these efforts, I know that Indigenous children remain disproportionately represented in the system. According to the 2021 census, while Indigenous children make up only 7.7 per cent of the child population, they account for 53.8 per cent of children in foster care. Despite efforts to progress forward there is still more work to be done to reduce the number of children in care. The focus needs to fully shift from a failing non-Indigenous system to supporting Indigenous families to keep children with them and their communities.

For me, voting isn't just casting a ballot. It's also a way to honour the resilience of those who came before us, including my own ancestors, who faced systemic barriers and discrimination. Many people don't realize that before 1960, First Nations peoples in Canada could only vote federally if they gave up their Indian status through enfranchisement. This granted them citizenship rights but stripped them of their Indigenous identity — one of many examples of systemic discrimination.

Which brings me back to my daughter's words during that powerful conversation, which simply captured how I believe we should approach this issue: "We need to think with our head and lead with our heart." 

When I was her age, I dreamed of studying political science, pursuing law and one day becoming prime minister. But as I grew, I realized that my true calling was to be a mom — a role that shapes not just my life, but the way I vote. Voting, to me, is about advocating for the most vulnerable and striving to create a better world for future generations.

As I prepare to cast my vote in this election, I'll be listening to what politicians have to say about the care of Indigenous children on and off reserve. Because for me, voting isn't just about policies — it's about people. It's about ensuring a better future for the next generation.

And while I know she'll still call me "bruh" when I remind her to clean her room, I also know these conversations are shaping my daughter into someone who will one day change the world — messy room and all.

What's the one issue that matters the most to you in this federal election? CBC News will publish a range of perspectives from voters who share the personal experience shaping their choice at the ballot box. Read more First Person columns related to the election here.

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