Full video: Cindy Blackstock on reparations, reconciliation, and why Canada’s philanthropic community shies away from her cause

Author Kylie Adair
Blackstock says she has not felt the support of much of the Canadian social sector in her 15 years of fighting for justice for First Nations children and families

Why It Matters

The social purpose sector in Canada often says it prioritizes reconciliation and justice for Indigenous communities. Cindy Blackstock says that commitment requires political advocacy for the rights of First Nations families.

Cindy Blackstock has spent 15 years fighting the Canadian government on behalf of First Nations children and families. 

The executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society filed a complaint pursuant to the Canadian Human Rights Act in 2007 highlighting that the federal government had consistently given less funding to on-reserve First Nations child and family services than non-First Nations services. First Nations families were separated and children didn’t receive the care they needed as a result.

Earlier this year, the government announced it had reached a $40 billion agreement in principle to compensate the children harmed by this systemic underfunding.

Future of Good editor Kylie Adair sat down with Blackstock to learn more about her work fighting for the rights of First Nations communities, and what role non-First Nations-led social

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