Government and First Nations Respond to Advocate for Children and Youth’s Report

Released on May 14, 2014

The Government of Saskatchewan, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) and the Yorkton Tribal Council (YTC) held a joint news conference to respond to the special investigation report, Two Tragedies: Holding Systems Accountable, released by the Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth Bob Pringle.

“Today, we reflect with grief and sadness on what we have learned from these terrible events,” Social Services Minister June Draude said.  “We will share what changes we have put in place, and what we plan to do going forward.  We will continue to plan for the future, to improve our policies and procedures, but we will not forget about the children we lost.  We are talking about our children, our most precious and vulnerable citizens.”

"It is heartbreaking that we are standing here speaking of the death of one of our children,” FSIN Vice Chief Kimberly Jonathan said.  “I commend the Yorkton Tribal Council-Child and Family Services Director, staff and Board for their immediate actions when this incident occurred.  I also commend Minister Draude and her ministry for extending their hand in partnership and taking immediate steps to respond to this tragedy.  We are committed to working together in meaningful partnership for our future, our children.”   

The report, which contains 23 findings and 18 recommendations, is the summary of Mr. Pringle’s investigation into the death of a child in the care of the Ministry of Social Services.

“As partners, we can, and we must do better to meet the complex needs of children and their families, when they need our help the most,” Draude said. “That is our commitment today, for these two children, and for all the children and youth in our province.”

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For more information, contact:

Tara Gereaux
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: tara.gereaux@gov.sk.ca