APFA Press Release

April 24, 2006

Like their counterparts across the province, the Aboriginal Peoples Family Accord (APFA) board of directors and political committee were thrilled and relieved by the message delivered by the newly appointed Ministry of Children & Family Development (MCFD) Deputy Minster Lesley du Toit in Richmond over the weekend.

In her keynote address at the Aboriginal Provincial Forum, du Toit said if outcomes are going to improve for aboriginal children in this province, things have to change within the ministry itself.

The new deputy minister promised a child-centered approach. “I do believe when we put children at the heart of what we’re doing, we can work together,” du Toit told more than 150 delegates from across B.C. who converged on the Richmond Inn.

The new deputy minister, who was instrumental in revamping the child welfare system in South Africa from the ground up, believes racism is an issue the ministry continues to struggle with and vows to promote an equal partnership with the five regional planning authorities in the province. “I believe we’re at a new beginning,” she told the appreciative audience.

APFA Board of Directors Chair Debbie Abbott was impressed by how candid du Toit was. “The two words to best describe what happened here are ‘renewed hope.’ Renewed hope in this process and moving forward in unity. It reminded me of what happened almost three years ago in Tsawwassen where more than 200 delegates stood up and spoke as one voice for our children.”

“I feel we have been recognized by the new deputy minister,” said Assembly of First Nations B.C. Regional Chief Shawn Atleo. “These kinds of words are a long time coming.”

“Listening to Lesley today – this morning, it blew me away,” added Grand Chief Ed John who admitted to initially being skeptical of hiring a South African to help shape family services for Aboriginal People in British Columbia.

The APFA, one of five aboriginal planning authorities across the province, is working towards providing Aboriginal People more input into how family services are managed in their area. While Aboriginal People only make up about four percent of the population in B.C., they account for almost 50 percent of the overall number of children in care.

More information is available online at: apfaBC.org For an electronic version of this news release or a J-Peg photo of du Toit during her address, email your request to: dan.odenbach@gov.bc.ca

For further information contact APFA spokespeople:

Bob Pasco Political Chair (250) 455-2711

Eliza Terbasket Transition Coordinator (250) 707-0095 ext.113

Debbie Abbott Board Chair (250) 455-2711

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