Children are among the most vulnerable of Canada’s citizens. Despite protection under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child many young people remain marginalized in our society. Aboriginal children are amongst those who are the most at risk. They are more likely to live in poverty, have poorer health status and are disproportionately represented in the youth justice and child welfare systems.
They have higher suicide rates, lower high school graduation rates and are more likely than their non-Aboriginal peers to become homeless. Aboriginal girls and young women are at particular risk of becoming victims of violence and sexual exploitation. This joint lecture will focus on the significant challenges Aboriginal children face in exercising their human rights.