The Touchstones of Hope is a movement toward reconciliation in Indigenous child welfare aimed at ensuring all Indigenous children are healthy and living with dignity and respect. The Touchstones of Hope are a set of guiding principles - Culture and Language, Structural Interventions, Self Determination, Holistic Approach and Non Discrimination - developed to guide a reconciliation process of truth telling, acknowledging, restoring and relating, between Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals working in Indigenous child welfare. The movement is carried out through learning workshops, training sessions, community action planning sessions and follow-up in order to engage those working for children in learning and relationship building. It is also intended to provide a space and place to have respectful and truthful conversations about child welfare, to create a new reality for Indigenous children and to form steps for moving forth together. The Touchstones principles are interpreted within the unique context of different Indigenous groups, avoiding a pan-Indigenous approach.

Article on Reconciliation: The First Step to True Reconciliation is Friendship

See what is happening in British Columbia with the Touchstones of Hope

Coming soon: Touchstones of Hope: Participant Action Research to explore experiences of First Nation Communities in Northern British Columbia – Evaluation Report

On National Reconciliation Day, June 11th 2012, support First Nations communities by organizing or participating in an Our Dreams Matter Too walk!

Take Action for First Nations children and families NOW and sign up to support the 7 Ways to Make a Difference!

Contact:

Andrea Auger
Touchstones of Hope Coordinator
aauger@fncaringsociety.com